IDF expands ground offensive into Gaza City

The Israeli military made the announcement on Friday - a week after IDF forces began a ground offensive in the city. 

Taking to X, the military said it was now preparing to conquer the Palestinian territory’s largest city, almost two years on from the start of the conflict.

“Starting today (Friday), at 10:00 (0700GMT), the local tactical pause in military activity will not apply to the area of Gaza City, which constitutes a dangerous combat zone,” the military said in a statement.

The pauses referred to in the post relate to areas labeled as aid distribution points.

⭕️In accordance with the situational assessment & directives of the political echelon, starting today at 10:00, the local tactical pause in military activity will not apply to the area of Gaza City, which constitutes a dangerous combat zone

The IDF continues supporting…

— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) August 29, 2025

 

The city has become home to more than a million Palestinians in recent months, with sustained bombardment across the country pushing displaced residents out of surrounding areas and toward the strip’s largest populated area.

Earlier this week, after days of bombing and artillery fire, IDF troops claimed they had established a foothold in the city.

Gaza City was among the three areas of Gaza to see a pause in fighting in recent months, as aid supplies were allowed to enter following a blockade.

The three areas - Gaza City, Deir al Balah, and Muwasi - saw aid permitted to enter between the hours of 10am to 8pm. 

It comes after a spokesperson for the Israeli military insisted the evacuation of Gaza City is "inevitable" in a statement released earlier this week.

It comes as around one million Palestinians are expected to be forced south away from the conflict zone.

Israel’s defense minister approved the plan to expand its military offensive, which has already killed at least 60,000 people, to Gaza City on Tuesday, a move which has been widely condemned by its allies.

But the Israeli government says the offensive was necessary to "remove Hamas," as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu looked to "shorten the timelines" for seizing what he described as "the last terror strongholds" in Gaza.