Israel Launches Major Ground Offensive in Central Gaza's Last Safe Zone, Sparking Humanitarian Crisis

For the first time since the war began, Israeli tanks and ground troops have entered Deir al-Balah, a central Gaza city previously spared from major ground operations.

This area had served as a key humanitarian hub and shelter for tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians, but is now under heavy assault, with reports of mass casualties and new waves of displacement. The offensive comes amid stalled ceasefire and hostage negotiations, raising alarm among families of hostages believed to be held in the area. Aid groups warn that the attack and new evacuation orders could collapse already fragile humanitarian services, as hunger and medical shortages worsen.

International calls for a ceasefire are intensifying as the humanitarian situation in Gaza reaches a critical point.