Israel Launches First Phase of Gaza City Offensive Amid Hostages Standoff
Israel launches first phase of Gaza City offensive, military says. The operation follows approval to mobilize 60,000 reservists. The move comes amid a standoff with Hamas over the release of all hostages, which Israel calls non-negotiable.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Israel announced on Wednesday that its forces have begun the initial stage of a planned operation to seize Gaza City, marking a significant escalation in the nearly two-year war.
Military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin said clashes erupted earlier in the day south of Khan Younis, adding that the assault on Gaza City had already commenced.
“We will deepen the attack on Hamas in Gaza City, a stronghold of governmental and military terror for the terrorist organization,” Defrin stated. He said Israeli troops were now circling the outskirts of the city, portraying Hamas as a “battered and bruised” guerrilla force.
The announcement follows Defense Minister Israel Katz’s approval last week of a comprehensive plan to seize Gaza City, including the mobilization of around 60,000 reservists. His ministry confirmed the decision on August 16, underscoring the government’s determination to advance despite ongoing international mediation efforts for a ceasefire.
Defense Minister Israel Katz’s move, confirmed to AFP, has added pressure on Hamas as Egypt and Qatar await Israel’s formal response to their latest truce proposal.
On Tuesday, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated that Israel’s position remains unchanged: the release of all hostages in Gaza is a non-negotiable condition.
“We are in the phase of making a final decision on Hamas, and we will not leave any hostage behind,” the statement declared, emphasizing that the government is committed to securing the freedom of all 50 hostages held by the group.
An Israeli official confirmed that the position reflects the security cabinet’s framework for bringing the war to an end.
Israel’s leadership has described the current stage as the “decisive phase” of its campaign, pledging to deal a final blow to Hamas. Netanyahu has vowed that his government will continue military pressure until both the hostages’ release and the dismantling of Hamas’s power in Gaza are achieved.
The deepening offensive comes as mediators warn that the window for a ceasefire deal is narrowing, while Israel signals its readiness to expand operations inside Gaza City in the coming days.
🚨 #BREAKING
— Kurdistan 24 English (@K24English) August 21, 2025
IDF releases footage from ongoing ground operations in Gaza. This comes as Israel's Defense Minister approves plans for the conquest of Gaza City and authorizes a major call-up of 60,000 reservists. Ceasefire talks continue amid escalating pressure.
Read More:… pic.twitter.com/VW0Z3WDQkm
