Israel’s military says it now holds control over more than half of Gaza City, a declaration that signals a dramatic turn in one of the region’s most protracted and brutal confrontations. The announcement comes as Israeli forces intensify air and ground operations aimed at dismantling Hamas’ remaining strongholds. The campaign is reshaping both the military map and the humanitarian landscape of Gaza — with sweeping destruction, mass displacement, and mounting international pressure.
Commanders from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that troops have advanced deep into Gaza City’s dense neighborhoods, targeting Hamas’ fortified infrastructure and underground tunnel networks. According to Israeli officials, airstrikes have increased in frequency and intensity, hitting more than 140 locations in a single night. These include suspected command centers, weapons depots, and launch sites used for rocket attacks. The move is described as part of a broader strategy to isolate Hamas fighters and cut their supply routes. Israeli units are reportedly pushing from multiple directions, tightening an urban siege and fragmenting militant positions. Some reports suggest that while “control” may not mean every street is physically occupied, it reflects overwhelming firepower and tactical dominance in key sectors.
The offensive has triggered an exodus of civilians on a scale rarely seen. Nearly 800,000 people have fled northern districts toward the south, escaping airstrikes and collapsing infrastructure. Aid organizations warn of a deepening catastrophe: shortages of food, clean water, fuel, and medicine are pushing the enclave to the brink of famine. Humanitarian convoys have faced repeated delays and road closures, and the United Nations reports that access to safe zones is rapidly shrinking. International medical NGOs, including Médecins Sans Frontières, have suspended activities in parts of Gaza City due to what they call “unacceptable risk levels” for staff and patients. Hospitals are running out of essential supplies, and fuel shortages threaten critical care, including neonatal and trauma units.
Israel’s operation is not limited to bombs and ground maneuvers. It includes psychological and information campaigns aimed at breaking Hamas’ hold. Loudspeakers along the border have broadcast messages and speeches by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directly into Gaza, an effort seen as both a show of strength and a warning to militants. At the same time, critics accuse Israel of causing irreversible environmental damage — the destruction of farmland, water systems, and vital infrastructure has sparked allegations of “ecocide.” Human rights groups and several governments have condemned the scale of destruction and civilian casualties, calling for an immediate ceasefire and accountability under international law.
While Israeli sources report dominance over more than half the city, earlier estimates put control closer to 40 percent just weeks ago. Meanwhile, UN assessments have long suggested Israel effectively controlled up to 75 percent of Gaza’s terrain through buffer zones and military corridors even before the latest push. This discrepancy underscores the fog of war — what one side defines as control may mean little more than operational reach rather than stable occupation.
If Israeli forces succeed in consolidating their grip on Gaza City, Hamas will face a historic setback, losing its most strategic urban stronghold. Such a development could shift regional dynamics: Israel may gain leverage in future negotiations, while Hamas’ capacity to launch large-scale attacks could be permanently crippled. Yet the costs are steep. Civilian suffering, mass displacement, and collapsing essential services risk igniting deeper regional anger and fueling radicalization. Global calls for a ceasefire are growing louder; sanctions and diplomatic isolation could follow if the offensive continues unchecked. For now, Gaza City has become a crucible — a place where military objectives and human tragedy collide. Whether Israel’s declared control marks the beginning of the end for Hamas or simply a bloody chapter in a longer struggle remains uncertain, but the consequences for millions trapped in the crossfire are already painfully clear.
