Skip next section Gaza City offensive underway
08/21/2025August 21, 2025
Gaza City offensive underway
Hundreds of thousands of civilians who had sheltered in were ordered to evacuate and seek refuge in southern Gaza on Thursday morning as Israel began its ground operations in Gaza City.
For many, it is not the first time they have been displaced in recent months.
The military confirmed media reports that the offensive had begun, calling it the “preliminary” stage of a plan to control the entire city.
“We have begun the preliminary operations and the first stages of the attack on Gaza City, and already now IDF forces are holding the outskirts of Gaza City,” Brigadier General Effie Defrin, Israel’s military spokesperson, said.
In January, international bodies estimated that aerial attacks had destroyed 70-80% of Gaza City.
Defrin said that the city was still a “stronghold” for , the militant group who the October 7, 2023, terror attacks on Israeli civilians, sparking the current conflict.
, in a statement on Telegram, accused Israeli Prime Minister of obstructing a ceasefire deal in favor of continuing a “brutal war against innocent civilians in Gaza City.”
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Skip next section International bodies call for ceasefire to avoid further civilian deaths
08/21/2025August 21, 2025
International bodies call for ceasefire to avoid further civilian deaths
Ahead of the Gaza City ground operation, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an immediate halt of hostilities in light of the multiple humanitarian crises already affecting civilians there.
“It is vital to reach immediately a ceasefire in Gaza,” to avoid the death and destruction that such an operation will cause, Guterres said from a conference in Japan.
He also slammed the “illegal” plan to expand the in the .
The International Committee of the said that another forced displacement of civilians would “risk worsening an already catastrophic situation.”
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Skip next section 60,000 reservists to be called up
08/21/2025August 21, 2025
60,000 reservists to be called up
The IDF said late Wednesday that it would call up 60,000 reservists in light of the expanded operation in Gaza City. The plan also includes extending the period of service for the 20,000 reservists who have already been called up to active duty.
This is the largest call-up of reservists in months, and is seen as a sign that Israel will not give in to an international outcry to end the conflict that has killed tens of thousands of civilians, including what international organizations estimate to be 19,000 children.
The move, which is expected to receive the chief of staff’s final approval soon, comes on the heels of calling for a ceasefire and for the government to prioritize the release of hostages held by Hamas.
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Skip next section Welcome to our coverage08/21/2025August 21, 2025
Welcome to our coverage
The is scheduled to discuss the Israeli military operation and the humanitarian situation in this afternoon.
On Thursday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed it had begun its ground assault on Gaza City, aiming to control the entire area. To that end, around 60,000 Israeli reservists will soon be called up.
The UN had called on Israel to implement a ceasefire, citing the danger posed to civilians who have already lived under near-constant bombardment for almost two years.
DW will bring you the latest headlines and analysis from across the Middle East.
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The post Middle East: Israel begins military operation in Gaza City appeared first on Deutsche Welle.
