Israeli forces have pushed dangerously close to the heart of Gaza City, heightening fears of a bloody street-to-street battle as Hamas fighters regroup. Verified footage shows Israeli tanks within 1.5km of al-Shifa hospital and near the UN compound, signalling the advance into densely packed neighbourhoods where thousands of civilians remain trapped.
Israel has declared Gaza City the “last stronghold” of Hamas, aiming to eliminate fighters and rescue the remaining hostages, of whom 20 are thought alive. The Israel Defense Forces estimate around 3,000 Hamas fighters remain, though Hamas figures claim 5,000 are ready for a “final decisive battle.” Reports of potential suicide attacks, coupled with Israel’s rapid urban thrusts and the use of remote-controlled explosive vehicles, underline the conflict’s escalating intensity.
The humanitarian toll is devastating. UN agencies confirm famine conditions in parts of Gaza, with collapsing hospitals and food and water running out. Over 321,000 Palestinians have fled south since mid-August, many forced to pay thousands of dollars for transport or abandon belongings on foot. Still, hundreds of thousands remain trapped in the city under constant bombardment.
Since Israel’s campaign began after the 7 October 2023 Hamas attack, more than 65,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza’s health ministry. With Hamas adopting guerrilla tactics and Israel tightening its assault, Gaza City now faces the grim prospect of a drawn-out and catastrophic final showdown.
