Post by : Raman

Photo : AP

The situation in the Gaza Strip has become more dangerous as Israel continues its military campaign. On Thursday, August 21, 2025, residents reported that Israel hit Gaza City and nearby areas with heavy airstrikes. The Israeli army said it had taken the first steps to push into Gaza City, which is the last major stronghold of Hamas.

The new military plan allows Israel to call up about 60,000 reservists. This has raised fears that the fighting will make the already serious humanitarian crisis in Gaza even worse.

Life in Gaza Under Attack

People living in Gaza City described terrifying nights. Ahmad al-Shanti said, “The house shakes with us all night long — the sound of explosions, artillery, warplanes, ambulances, and cries for help is killing us. The sound is getting closer, but where would we go?”

Another resident, Amal Abdel-Aal, spoke of watching heavy strikes on her neighborhood, a week after being displaced from her home in Al-Sabra. “No one in Gaza has slept — not last night, not for a week. The artillery and air strikes in the east never stop. The sky flashes all night long,” she said.

Mahmud Bassal, a spokesman for Gaza civil defence, said that overnight strikes targeted areas to the northwest and southeast of Gaza City.

Israel’s Military Plans

The Israeli army said that the recent strikes and movements “created the conditions” to increase pressure on Hamas. The plan, called “Operation Gideon’s Chariots,” began its second phase recently. The army also asked medical staff and aid groups in northern Gaza to start evacuation preparations and move equipment to the south.

Israel’s plan to expand the fighting has caused concern both internationally and within Israel. The Red Cross called the plan “intolerable” and warned about its effects on civilians.

Humanitarian Crisis

The United Nations warned that the expansion of military operations in Gaza City could have “a horrific humanitarian impact.” Hundreds of thousands of people may be forced to move south, which could create even more suffering. The UN Human Rights office said that many families, including children, older people, and those with disabilities, have no safe place to go. Some are trapped without access to food, water, or medicine.

Ceasefire Talks and Hostages

Efforts to reach a ceasefire and secure hostage releases continue. Israel and Hamas have held indirect talks during the nearly two-year conflict. So far, 49 of the 251 captives taken by Hamas in October 2023 remain in Gaza, including 27 who Israel says are dead.

The latest ceasefire proposal involves releasing 10 hostages and 18 bodies from Gaza. Further releases would take place during wider settlement talks. Qatar, Egypt, and the United States have been involved in these negotiations. Egypt said that “the ball is now in Israel’s court,” meaning it is up to Israel to respond.

Hamas criticized Israel’s plans to capture Gaza City, saying they showed a “blatant disregard” for efforts to end the conflict and release hostages.

Death Toll and Impact

The October 2023 Hamas attack on Israel killed 1,219 people, mostly civilians. Since then, Israel’s offensive has killed at least 62,122 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health ministry. Most of the victims are civilians. Media restrictions and access issues make independent verification difficult.

The situation in Gaza remains tense and dangerous. The international community continues to call for caution and humanitarian support for those affected. As Israel intensifies its offensive, thousands of families face displacement, lack of basic supplies, and fear for their lives.

The world watches closely, hoping for a resolution that can stop further suffering and bring peace to the region.

Gaza conflict, Israel Gaza offensive, Hamas, Gaza airstrikes, humanitarian crisis Gaza