The incursion marks Israel’s first ground operation inside Gaza City in nearly two years. According to local sources, around 300,000 residents had already fled south due to earlier air raids, but more than 700,000 people remain trapped in the city, raising fears of large-scale civilian casualties and possible mass displacement.

Amid the escalation, U.S. Secretary of State acknowledged that a diplomatic solution to the Gaza war now seems unlikely. Earlier, former President Donald Trump had expressed hope that a deal to secure the release of hostages could be reached soon.

International condemnation has followed the latest Israeli assault, with critics warning that the offensive could amount to “genocide” against Palestinians. Even within Israel, Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir has voiced opposition to the operation, cautioning that it could endanger the lives of hostages, result in heavy Israeli military losses, and fail to eliminate Hamas.

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According to U.S. officials, Hamas has already moved Israeli hostages out of underground tunnels and is now allegedly using them as human shields against the advancing Israeli forces.

Families of missing and captive Israelis staged a protest near Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s residence, accusing him of endangering hostages’ lives. “This operation has destroyed the last hope for their survival after 710 days in captivity,” relatives said, squarely blaming Netanyahu for the worsening crisis.