Israel approves offensive in Gaza City despite global criticism.

UN warns of humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Israeli army launches “Chariots of Gideon” operation in Gaza.

The government of Israel approved plans for a large-scale offensive in Gaza City, under the operation called “Chariots of Gideon.”

The announcement was made by a senior Israeli army officer, who indicated that the main objective will be to dismantle Hamas’s infrastructure, especially its tunnel network.

The decision comes after nearly two years of war in the Gaza Strip, which began after the October 7, 2023 attack that killed around 1,200 Israelis.

Since then, the Israeli offensive has left more than 61,000 Palestinians dead, according to figures from health authorities in the enclave.

The plan includes the deployment of 50,000 additional reservists, which will increase the army’s total force to about 120,000 soldiers. According to the officer, the operation will be “gradual, precise and planned,” with an emphasis on evacuating civilians from combat zones.

Israel Approves Offensive in Gaza City Despite Global Criticism

#BREAKING Israel defence minister approves plan to conquer Gaza City and call-up of around 60,000 reservists, ministry confirms to AFP pic.twitter.com/WcM1YNjiNI

— AFP News Agency (@AFP) August 20, 2025

The August 8 announcement of the intention to seize Gaza City and establish “Israeli security control” over the entire Strip generated criticism from Western governments such as the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, and Australia.

In a joint statement, they warned that the measure will worsen the humanitarian situation, already described as “catastrophic.”

In Israel, the offensive also faces internal opposition. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been the subject of citizen protests demanding a ceasefire in exchange for the release of hostages still held by Hamas.

The military leadership itself is said to have suggested less risky alternatives, according to local media.

Netanyahu, however, defended the decision:

“Those who call to end the war without defeating Hamas are delaying the release of our hostages and ensuring that the horrors of October 7 will be repeated,” he declared after meeting with senior military leaders.

Humanitarian Risk and International Pressure

Thousands of Israelis stayed home from work, flooded city streets and blocked roads and highways across the country on Sunday, staging some of the largest anti-war protests in months as the military prepares for a major assault on Gaza City. https://t.co/S4eBx4BWzE pic.twitter.com/OunIurUPEg

— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) August 17, 2025

The Ministry of Defense, headed by Israel Katz, approved “humanitarian preparations” for the displacement of about one million Palestinians toward the south of the Strip.

The army claims it will issue advance warnings to minimize the risk to civilians.

Despite these promises, international organizations and humanitarian groups are warning about the possibility of famine, as the war in Gaza has interrupted the entry of basic aid.

The UN Office of Human Rights called for the immediate end of the conflict and an unrestricted flow of assistance.

As reported by The Washington Post.

What Comes Next

French President #EmmanuelMacron says that #Israel’s “military offensive” to conquer #Gaza City “can only lead to a complete disaster for both peoples,” after Israel’s defense minister authorized the call-up of around 60,000 reservists.https://t.co/YbeptMF00m

— Al Arabiya English (@AlArabiya_Eng) August 20, 2025

The military escalation threatens to intensify regional instability. Arab governments have warned that they will increase diplomatic pressure to stop the offensive and guarantee a safe humanitarian corridor.

Meanwhile, the administration of President Donald Trump reiterated that military operations in Gaza are an exclusive decision of Israel.

Reaffirming its support for Netanyahu’s strategy.

In the coming weeks, the world will watch to see if the Israeli army manages to advance in Gaza City without triggering an even greater humanitarian crisis, amid growing calls for the war to come to an end.

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