Israel Launches Ground Assault on Gaza as Defense Minister Declares “Gaza Is Burning” – 16 September 2025

Israel Launches Ground Assault on Gaza – “Gaza Is Burning”

On 16 September 2025, Israel launched a large-scale ground operation across Gaza, calling it a decisive action to dismantle Hamas infrastructure and recover hostages.

Defense Minister Israel Katz declared, “Gaza is burning,” as Israeli forces advanced with tanks, heavy artillery, and coordinated air and naval strikes.

Details of the Offensive

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) pushed into northern Gaza while maintaining intense air bombardment. Naval units targeted coastal positions as ground troops moved block by block toward the south. Military spokespeople described the campaign as a “multi-front assault” aimed at crippling Hamas’s command centers.

Humanitarian Impact

According to Gaza’s health authorities, at least 30–35 people were killed and dozens more injured in the first hours of the operation.

Residential buildings have collapsed, hospitals are over capacity, and electricity shortages persist. Israel issued evacuation orders urging civilians to move south, but thousands remain trapped amid limited safe routes and overcrowded shelters.

International Response

The United Nations Human Rights Council warned that the offensive could trigger a major humanitarian disaster and called for an immediate ceasefire.

The United States reaffirmed Israel’s right to self-defense but voiced concern over civilian casualties.

The European Union and regional powers, including Egypt and Turkey, urged both sides to return to negotiations to prevent further escalation.

Background

This ground assault follows weeks of escalating rocket fire from Gaza into Israeli territory.

Israel maintains that Hamas fighters are embedding military assets in densely populated areas, increasing the risk to civilians.

Hamas leaders denounced the operation as “collective punishment” and “genocide.”

Analysis

Analysts warn the conflict is entering a dangerous new phase. A sustained ground campaign could mean prolonged urban warfare and heavier casualties on both sides.

Humanitarian corridors and rapid diplomatic engagement are seen as critical to protecting civilians and stabilizing the region.