Israel Declares Gaza City a Combat Zone, Begins Assault

Tone & Political Bias: Moderately Right-Leaning

Why: The reporting places emphasis on Israel’s military actions and framing (e.g., hostages, Hamas dismantling) while presenting humanitarian concerns, but with less weight.

Israel’s Statement

Israel announced Friday that Gaza City has become a “dangerous combat zone” as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched the “initial stages” of its assault on the enclave.

The IDF said it had begun preliminary operations on the city’s outskirts with “great intensity.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu authorized the takeover of Gaza City last week despite international warnings.
The army vowed to deepen strikes until all hostages are released and Hamas is militarily dismantled.

Hostage Remains Recovered

The Israeli government confirmed the recovery of the remains of two hostages from Gaza.

One of the bodies was identified as Ilan Weiss, 55, who was abducted during Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack.
His wife and daughter were also kidnapped but returned in a hostage release deal in November 2023.
The second recovered body is undergoing forensic identification.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which has organized protests demanding negotiations, mourned the loss and urged the government to “stay at the table until every last hostage comes home.”

Humanitarian Concerns

The United Nations and aid organizations warned that the escalation could worsen Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.

The UN’s Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA said around 1 million people are at risk of forced displacement.
The agency noted famine has already been confirmed in Gaza City, warning that further escalation will “push more people toward catastrophe.”
Israel had earlier suspended daily pauses that allowed humanitarian aid delivery.

Intensified Strikes

Israeli air and ground forces launched heavy strikes on several neighborhoods.

The IDF reported bombings in Zeitoun and Sabra, areas east and south of Gaza City.
Tanks advanced on the city’s outskirts Friday morning.
Defense Minister Israel Katz declared Israel would “open the gates of hell” on Gaza City until Hamas agreed to release all hostages and disarm completely.

Civilian Impact and International Outrage

Global concern rose as the escalation followed a strike earlier in the week on a medical facility.

Israel faced condemnation after striking Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza, killing 22 people, including five journalists.
The IDF claimed Hamas had placed a camera on the roof, but gave no evidence and did not explain repeated hits on the facility.
An NBC News analysis found at least four Israeli munitions were used in the attack.

Military Mobilization

The expanded operation includes a significant call-up of forces.

Israel has mobilized about 60,000 reservists to support the campaign.
The government insists the operation is essential to eliminate Hamas’ control over Gaza City.