Israel is blasting through Gaza City neighborhoods, but people have nowhere to go

Israel is blasting through Gaza City neighborhoods, but people have nowhere to go

Aya Batrawy

Anas Baba

September 05, 2025 / 6:39 am

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, and GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — Israel's military says it has taken control of almost half of Gaza City as it prepares for a large-scale ground offensive to fully occupy its densely populated urban center.

Israeli military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin said in a press briefing the military now has "operational control" of 40% of Gaza City and will continue to expand and intensify the offensive in the coming days. The military called around 60,000 reservists back to war to support the expansive operation, which Israel says is aimed at returning hostages and dismantling Hamas rule.

Last week, the military declared al