Israeli forces are nearing the center of Gaza City, with reports indicating that Hamas is preparing its fighters for intense urban warfare. This development comes as thousands of Palestinians have been forced to evacuate the city following Israel’s ground offensive. Israel has designated Gaza City as Hamas’s “last stronghold” and stated its objective is to eliminate militants and rescue the remaining hostages. Verified footage shows Israeli tanks positioned near the al-Shifa hospital, approximately 1.5 km from the city center, and armored vehicles have been sighted near the main UN compound, roughly 700 meters away.
A Hamas official claims that the group intends to concentrate its fighters in the city, potentially leading to fierce close-quarters combat amidst a civilian population. This individual suggested that Hamas military commander Izz al-Din al-Haddad has ordered fighters from across the Strip to converge on Gaza City for a “final, decisive battle.” While Hamas has not officially commented, and the BBC cannot independently verify these claims, the situation intensifies fears of a humanitarian crisis.
Reports suggest that Israel’s strategy to counter Hamas’s tunnel network and urban defenses involves rapid armored thrusts into the city, often withdrawing within hours. There are also reports of Israel using modified armored vehicles laden with explosives and equipped with remote capabilities to target Hamas positions and structures. Additionally, Israel has deployed quadcopter drones with loudspeakers to warn civilians, contributing to the widespread anxiety and displacement.
The exodus of Palestinian families continues, primarily along the coastal al-Rashid road, the only route permitted by the Israeli military. The UN estimates that over 321,000 people have fled south since mid-August. The journey is fraught with peril and expense, with many families paying exorbitant sums for transport, forcing them to abandon possessions. Those remaining in Gaza City face dire conditions, including continuous bombardment, collapsing infrastructure, and severe shortages of food and water. The UN has confirmed a famine in the region as of late August.
The ongoing conflict stems from the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages taken. Since then, Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry reports that at least 65,419 people have been killed in Israeli operations.