Israel Begins Major Ground Operation in Gaza City Amid Mass Evacuations

Israel has commenced a major ground operation in Gaza City as part of its campaign against Hamas, with plans to deploy four divisions in a phased approach. The Israeli military, led by Chief of General Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, has intensified its offensive, entering areas never accessed before and aiming to defeat Hamas completely. The IDF has called up at least 60,000 reservists, though nearly 400 have pledged to refuse service, citing concerns about the war's legality and the danger it poses to Israeli hostages held by Hamas. Israeli forces are conducting systematic flattening of buildings using a drone-based "ceiling-to-floor" method to avoid booby traps and secure the city cautiously. The military has urged Gaza City residents to evacuate south, promising maximum humanitarian aid with preparations underway for tents, water pipelines, and aid distribution sites. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed support for the troops, emphasizing that the war will continue until all hostages are returned and Hamas surrenders.