Israel escalates military operations in Gaza: dramatic events and international reactions
In response to the escalating conflict in the Gaza Strip, Israel announced its intention to deploy unprecedented force to regain control of the situation, triggering widespread concern both regionally and internationally.
Official reports indicate that on September 19, Israeli military forces warned residents of Gaza to prepare for large-scale operations, urging them to evacuate southward.
Consequently, the only temporary evacuation route, opened just 48 hours prior, was closed.
An Arabic-speaking army spokesperson, Avichay Adraei, shared on social media that the Salah al-Din road is now closed for southbound traffic, and Israeli forces continue to combat Hamas and other terrorist groups with unprecedented strength.
The situation in Gaza remains tense: on September 18, the city once again experienced strikes from Israeli artillery, tanks, and aircraft.
UN representatives called for an end to violence, noting that a new wave of mass displacement is ongoing, with hundreds of thousands fleeing to safer areas over just a few days.
Meanwhile, Germany and Sweden have condemned Israel’s actions, emphasizing their support for peaceful solutions.
Israeli Defense Minister Itzhak Katz declared that Gaza is “on fire,” adding that Israeli forces are striking terrorist infrastructure to create conditions for freeing hostages and destroying Hamas.
Overall, hundreds of targets in Gaza have been hit since the start of the operation, illustrating the scale of Israel’s military offensive.