Israel has started a long-threatened ground operation into the heart of Gaza City. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says this means there is a “very short window” for negotiations to end the war between Israel and Hamas. Bloomberg’s Dan Williams reports.

Israel’s Ground Offensive in Gaza: Escalation Amid Global Outcry

In a dramatic escalation of the long-standing conflict, Israel has launched a major ground offensive into Gaza City, marking a significant intensification of military operations nearly two years into the war with Hamas. The move, reported across international media including a dedicated post on the site Dedicated Issues, comes amid accusations of genocide from a United Nations commission and widespread displacement of Palestinian civilians. As tanks and troops advance into the devastated urban landscape, the world watches with a mix of condemnation, support, and calls for restraint. This operation, described by Israeli officials as necessary to dismantle Hamas’s regrouping efforts, has ignited fierce debates on international law, humanitarian crises, and the prospects for peace in the region. The offensive began on September 16, 2025, with Israeli forces pushing into Gaza City under heavy aerial and artillery cover. According to reports, the Israeli military declared “Gaza is burning” as it initiated the assault, vowing to overwhelm a city already reduced to ruins from prolonged bombardment.

Palestinians in the area described a night of unrelenting strikes, with entire neighborhoods leveled and thousands fleeing southward in search of safety. The Associated Press detailed how Israeli troops, backed by drones and fighter jets, targeted what they claimed were Hamas strongholds, including government buildings and residential areas suspected of harboring militants. Casualties mounted quickly, with local health authorities reporting dozens killed in the initial hours, adding to a death toll that has surpassed 40,000 since the conflict’s latest phase began in October 2023.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu justified the incursion as a critical step to prevent Hamas from reestablishing control in northern Gaza. “We cannot allow terrorists to regroup and threaten our security,” his office stated, echoing sentiments from Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who earlier warned that the “gates of hell” had been opened on Gaza.

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The operation follows a series of airstrikes, including a controversial attack on Hamas leaders in Qatar that derailed ceasefire talks and drew sharp rebukes from Gulf states. Military analysts suggest this ground push aims not just at tactical gains but at long-term occupation, with Axios reporting that Israel seeks to fully occupy Gaza City to install a new administrative framework. However, critics argue it exacerbates a humanitarian catastrophe, with over 1.9 million Palestinians already displaced and aid convoys halted amid the fighting. The UN’s involvement has cast a stark light on the offensive’s implications. On the same day as the ground invasion, a UN commission released a report accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, citing systematic destruction of infrastructure, forced displacement, and denial of essential services. “This is not self-defense; it’s a pattern of extermination,” the commission’s chair stated, urging immediate international intervention.

Israeli occupation forces have begun a large-scale ground invasion into Gaza City under the banner of Operation “Gideon’s Chariots 2”.

Amid barbaric bombing, Israel begins ground invasion of Gaza City

Israeli occupation forces have begun a large-scale ground invasion into Gaza City under the banner of Operation “Gideon’s Chariots 2”. pic.twitter.com/D2Twnvwbz2

— The Lie Lamaa 🏹 (@BhaktBusters) September 16, 2025

Amnesty International echoed these concerns, warning of “catastrophic consequences” for civilians in Gaza City, where access to water, food, and medical care has collapsed. The Washington Post noted that the invasion defies global calls for de-escalation, with Palestinians reporting indiscriminate bombing that has destroyed mosques, high-rises, and homes. Hamas, for its part, has vowed fierce resistance, launching sporadic rocket attacks into Israel that have largely been intercepted or caused minimal damage. One such barrage from central Gaza drew internal backlash among Palestinians, with social media users decrying it as a “deadly embarrassment” that prolongs suffering without strategic value. Hamas officials have accused Israel of mocking diplomacy, rejecting truce proposals while intensifying assaults. The group’s refusal to disarm or relinquish control has been cited by Israel as justification for the offensive, but observers like analyst Tahani Mustafa argue that Western allies’ lack of pushback enables Israel’s actions.

The world’s reaction has been swift and polarized, reflecting deep divisions over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The United States, under the Trump administration, has offered qualified support for the operation. While endorsing Israel’s right to defend itself, U.S. officials have urged a swift conclusion to minimize civilian harm and avoid broader regional instability. Netanyahu, however, lashed out at perceived betrayals, calling a recent UN resolution an “ambush” and downgrading ties with supportive nations. This stance contrasts sharply with Europe’s response, where leaders have condemned the assault as disproportionate. In Europe, the European Union Parliament is in upheaval, with Spain taking particularly strong action by reinforcing sanctions and pledging support for Palestinian forces. European Commission representatives have described the offensive as a violation of international law, calling for an immediate ceasefire. The BBC captured harrowing accounts from Gaza residents enduring a “night of hell,” prompting British Prime Minister to reiterate demands for humanitarian corridors.

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France and Germany have joined in criticizing the Qatar strike that preceded the ground push, viewing it as state terrorism that scuttles peace efforts. Arab nations have reacted with outrage, particularly over the extraterritorial attack in Qatar. Qatar’s Prime Minister accused Israel of “state terrorism,” while Saudi Arabia marked a major policy shift by condemning the actions and hinting at potential retaliatory measures. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, including the UAE and Bahrain, have issued joint statements decrying the offensive as an assault on Arab sovereignty. In a broader Muslim world response, leaders from Turkey to Indonesia have mobilized diplomatic pressure, with Al Jazeera reporting intensified calls for boycotts and UN sanctions. China has consistently labeled Israel’s moves as “aggressive,” advocating for a two-state solution and offering mediation. Social media and public opinion amplify these divides. On platforms like X, users from around the globe express fury, with posts highlighting the destruction of civilian infrastructure and urging action against what some call the “Nazi Israel state.”

International analysts warn of a potential “Spring Awakening 2.0” in the Arab world if the assaults continue, potentially drawing in U.S. interests. Pro-Palestinian activists decry the offensive as genocide, while pro-Israel voices argue it’s essential for security. Humanitarian organizations paint a grim picture. The International Committee of the Red Cross reports overwhelmed hospitals and a collapse in services, with thousands bidding farewell to their homes amid evacuation orders. The New York Times notes that the operation, while aimed at Hamas, risks entrenching cycles of violence, with no clear endgame in sight. As the ground forces dig in, the death toll rises, and diplomatic efforts falter, the offensive underscores the fragility of regional stability. This latest chapter in the Israel-Hamas war highlights the urgent need for renewed international mediation. While Israel presses its military advantage, the global backlash— from UN condemnations to street protests—signals growing isolation. The path to peace remains elusive, but the human cost demands immediate action to halt the bloodshed and address root causes. As one Gaza resident told reporters, “We just want to live without fear.” The world must decide if it’s willing to enforce that right.