Gaza City offensive looms

The article covers an impending Gaza City offensive, famine claims, and disputes over aid and hostages.

Israel vows to destroy Gaza City unless Hamas frees hostages

Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that Gaza City would be destroyed if Hamas does not release all hostages and disarm. He noted that the government approved plans to open the gates of hell and defeat Hamas in Gaza as the IDF expands operations and calls up reservists for a possible push into the enclave’s largest city. Israeli officials describe the move as a necessary step to end Hamas rule, while warning of displacement and civilian harm as the operation looms.

Hamas called for an immediate end to the war and for unrestricted aid across border crossings after the IPC famine declaration, while Israel denies the famine claim and points to humanitarian efforts. The IPC reported 514,000 people in famine, with the number seen rising to 641,000 by September. Israel says aid flows have improved since the blockade ended but remains far below prewar levels, and the PMO labeled the famine claim a modern blood libel while highlighting reported price drops for staples attributed to aid deliveries. On the ground, Gaza health authorities say casualties mount, and Gaza residents describe ongoing bombardment and mass evacuations as Israeli strikes continue toward Gaza City.

Israel resumed aid in May, but the UN and aid groups say distribution remains uneven and some trucks are looted or diverted before reaching warehouses. Gaza’s health ministry tallies place the war's toll well above verifiable counts, underscoring the humanitarian crisis that accompanies any military move on a densely populated urban center.

The piece highlights a hard edge in the current conflict: security aims are being linked directly to hostage releases, while humanitarian concerns are framed as separate battles over who controls aid and information. Rhetoric from senior Israeli officials signals a willingness to accept significant civilian disruption for strategic gain, raising questions about proportionality and accountability. At the same time, competing narratives from Hamas and the UN system underscore a broader struggle over how famine data is used politically to press for concessions. The reporting shows how power, propaganda and real danger collide in a high stakes moment.

Highlights

The path forward will hinge on verifiable aid, credible ceasefire channels, and independent casualty reporting.