[Israel-Palestine Conflict, Photo credit: pxhere]

Israeli forces have intensified their military offensive in Gaza City as the conflict with Hamas approaches a critical juncture.

On August 20, Israeli troops initiated the second phase of a campaign called Gideon’s Chariots.

The objective of the operation is to secure full control of Gaza City, the most densely populated area within the territory.

The Israeli army announced that its divisions had entered Zeitoun and Jabalia, neighborhoods in northern Gaza.

Ground units reported discovering tunnels networks containing stockpiled weapons.

Airstrikes also hit multiple sites, resulting in  buildings collapses and mass civilian displacement .

Eyewitnesses described the scenes of chaos as families sought for refuge in schools and hospitals.

Local health officials reported dozens of fatalities within hours of the strikes.

The Israeli military said it warned residents before the attacks and opened evacuation corridors.

It argued that Hamas fighters continue to utilize civilian areas as shields.

Concurrently,  Israel issued call-up orders to approximately 60,000 reservists who will join military operations in the coming weeks.

This is in addition to the 20,000 reservists already deployed across the Gaza front.

Military officials said service terms for current reservists would also be extended.

Israel’s government has declared that the campaign will continue until Hamas’s military infrastructure is destroyed.

The offensive follows the ceasefire extension talks collapsed earlier in the year.

Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has rejected proposals for an internationally supervised interim administration in Gaza.

He has argued that only sustained military pressure will secure Israeli hostages and weaken Hamas.

Hamas continues to hold around 20 Israeli captives.

Israeli officials stated that ensuring their safety remains a priority but acknowledged the renewed offensive heightens their risk.

In parallel with the Gaza operation, Israel has also moved to consolidate its control in the West Bank.

On August 20, the Civil Administration’s Higher Planning Council authorized the construction of more than 3,400 housing units in the E1 area near Jerusalem.

The expansion of settlements has provoked criticism from Palestinian officials who say it undermines chances for peace.

The developments in Gaza have also intensified internal debate within Hamas.

Certain leaders are engaged in talks in Cairo mediated by Egypt with support from Qatar and Turkey.

Proposals under discussion include disarming armed brigades, releasing hostages, and accepting an interim Palestinian administration in exchange for Israeli withdrawal.

Hamas leaders in exile are under mounting pressure from regional allies to accept these terms.

Qatar and Turkey have signaled that refusal could mean the loss of political support.

Inside Gaza, however, fighters of the Qassam Brigades maintain their resolve to  continue armed resistance.

They argue that surrender would nullify the sacrifices made since the war began almost two years ago.

Meanwhile, ordinary Gazans face dire conditions.

In July, approximately 100 individuals were killed each day, nearly all of them civilians.

Aid groups have warned that famine is spreading and that medical facilities are operating beyond capacity.

Many residents blame Hamas for refusing to give up power and accuse Israel of collective punishment.

Exiled Palestinian commentators say discontent is rising even within Hamas’s leadership ranks.

Nevertheless,  Hamas leaders abroad claim that Israel is losing legitimacy on the international stage.

They draw comparisons to Algeria’s long war of independence in which heavy civilian losses preceded political victory.

For now Israeli forces continue their advance into Gaza City.

The outcome of the battle will determine not only the future of Hamas but also the fate of more than two million residents confined within the enclave.