GAZA CITY/ADEN – The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have commenced a new and significant phase of their military operation, launching a full-scale ground invasion of Gaza City, a move that has been met with international condemnation. This escalation comes as Israel also continues to conduct airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen.
According to reports from international news agencies and sources on the ground, Israeli tanks and troops are advancing into the heart of Gaza City, which has been under intense aerial bombardment for weeks. Residents have described a “terrifying” night of non-stop explosions as a prelude to the ground assault. The IDF has stated that the objective is to dismantle the remaining military infrastructure of Hamas and other militant groups, which it says are operating from within the city’s urban landscape.
The operation has prompted a renewed mass exodus of civilians, with thousands fleeing southward, carrying their belongings on carts and in vehicles. Aid organizations and UN officials have warned of a worsening humanitarian crisis, noting that many people are unable or unwilling to leave due to a lack of safe zones, high transport costs, and the risk of being caught in the crossfire.
Simultaneously, Israel has continued to target Houthi rebels in Yemen. The Houthis, who are aligned with Iran, have been launching missiles and drones at Israel and commercial shipping in the Red Sea in what they claim is a show of solidarity with Palestinians. In response, Israel has conducted retaliatory airstrikes on Houthi military positions, including in the capital, Sana’a, and the port city of Hodeidah. These strikes have reportedly resulted in civilian casualties and significant damage to residential areas.
The dual military actions highlight the broadening scope of the conflict, which has been expanding across the region since its outbreak. The ground invasion of Gaza City is expected to be a prolonged and complex operation, while the strikes in Yemen underscore the ongoing tensions and proxy conflicts in the Middle East.
