Escalating Conflict in Gaza: Israeli Troops Edge Closer to City Center

Mon Oct 20 2025 06:16:03 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

As Israeli forces advance towards the heart of Gaza City, fears of intense urban combat grow amid escalating hostilities with Hamas.

Israeli military operations have intensified as troops approach Gaza City's center, leading to concerns of street-to-street fighting. Thousands of civilians are fleeing the city, previously deemed a stronghold for Hamas. The situation is escalating with reports of Hamas preparing for a decisive battle amid a humanitarian crisis affecting hundreds of thousands.

Israeli forces are now advancing towards the center of Gaza City, with reports indicating that Hamas fighters are regrouping for a potential street-to-street confrontation. The situation has forced thousands of Palestinians to flee the area since the beginning of Israel's ground offensive last week.

Israel has identified Gaza City as Hamas's 'last stronghold,' with the stated objective to eliminate terrorist threats while trying to secure the release of 48 hostages, 20 of whom are believed to be alive.

The latest verified reports show an Israeli tank positioned at Hamid Junction, just 1.5 kilometers from the central al-Shifa hospital. Armored vehicles have also been sighted near the United Nations compound, approximately 700 meters from the city's core.

A Hamas official has indicated that the group is ready to deploy thousands of fighters into the city, raising alarms about possible intense combat in urban environments where many civilians remain. Military commander Izz al-Din al-Haddad has reportedly ordered fighters to prepare for a 'final, decisive battle.'

Israeli estimates suggest around 3,000 Hamas fighters are currently in Gaza City, with Hamas claiming up to 5,000. However, verifying these figures remains difficult due to restrictions placed on international journalists since the conflict escalated two years ago. Reports indicate that both sides have adopted new tactics, with Hamas transitioning towards guerrilla operations.

The humanitarian situation is dire, with the United Nations estimating that over 321,000 people have fled south since mid-August. The cost of transportation has become exorbitant, leaving many families unable to escape. Those remaining in Gaza are facing continuous bombarding, failing medical infrastructure, and acute shortages of food and water.

This recent escalation comes in the wake of a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities and numerous hostages. Since then, the Hamas-run health ministry has reported that at least 65,419 individuals have been killed in the ongoing Israeli military actions in Gaza.