Displaced Palestinians flee northern Gaza by foot and in vehicles, carrying their belongings along the coastal road toward southern Gaza, Monday, Sept. 15, 2025.
Israel has launched a major ground offensive in Gaza City, escalating the ongoing war and forcing thousands of Palestinians to flee. The city, already devastated by nearly two years of fighting, witnessed heavy bombardment on Tuesday as residents rushed out in vehicles loaded with mattresses and belongings.
Defense Minister Israel Katz declared, “Gaza is burning,” as troops advanced from the outskirts after weeks of buildup. The Israeli military aims to weaken Hamas’ ability to fight, though no timeline has been given. Reports suggest the operation could last for months.
The offensive coincided with a U.N.-commissioned report accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza. Israel dismissed the claim as “distorted and false.”
Families Trapped Under Rubble
The strikes left behind harrowing stories of loss. Saud al-Sakani, a grieving woman, said her daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren were killed when their home collapsed. About 40 people were inside the building at the time. “An entire family,” she cried at Shifa Hospital’s morgue.
Hospitals across the city struggled to cope with the influx of bodies and wounded. At least 69 Palestinians were confirmed dead on Tuesday morning, including 22 children. Doctors described it as one of Gaza’s worst nights since the conflict began.
U.S. Push for Ceasefire
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited the region, warning of a “very short window” to secure a deal. Despite the violence, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that President Donald Trump has invited him to the White House on September 29. The visit will follow Netanyahu’s speech at the United Nations General Assembly.
Meanwhile, Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen fired a missile toward Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Israeli forces said they intercepted the projectile. The Houthis claim their attacks show solidarity with Palestinians, while Israel continues to retaliate with airstrikes on Yemen.
Palestinians Flee in Large Numbers
Gaza City has endured repeated raids, but Israel now vows to fully control the city. An estimated 1 million people lived there before evacuation orders. Around 350,000 have already left, while the U.N. reports 220,000 fled northern Gaza in just the past month.
Yet, many remain trapped. Ismail Zaydah, a 39-year-old resident, said families are paying up to $1,000 for trucks to move south. Many who cannot afford it live in tents near the coast, often in unsanitary conditions. “We fled with nothing but clothing,” he said.
The Israeli military believes 2,000–3,000 Hamas fighters remain in Gaza City, operating through underground tunnels. Officials claim Hamas’ strength has been reduced, leaving militants to rely on guerrilla tactics.
Hostage Families Demand Action
Outside Netanyahu’s residence, families of hostages begged him to halt the offensive. They fear loved ones in Gaza could die in the bombardments.
Anat Angrast, mother of captive Matan, said, “Netanyahu gave the order to bomb my child. He knows my son’s life is in danger, yet he continues.”
Israel believes about 20 hostages are still alive. Hamas insists it will release captives only in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, a permanent ceasefire, and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
Mounting Death Toll
The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Nearly a year later, the conflict shows no signs of resolution.
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, more than 64,900 Palestinians have died in Israeli strikes since then. Women and children represent about half the casualties. Israel contends that Hamas embeds military sites within civilian areas, complicating operations.
International Pressure Builds
During his visit, Rubio stressed that negotiations remain the only viable path. “At some point, this has to end. Hamas must be defanged. We hope it can happen through a negotiation,” he said.
He later traveled to Qatar, a key mediator, thanking its leadership for efforts toward a ceasefire. However, Arab and Muslim nations condemned Israel’s strikes during a recent summit without taking major action.
As Israel presses forward, Gaza City remains engulfed in destruction, uncertainty, and human tragedy.
