CAIRO/JERUSALEM, September 25 – Israeli military forces pushed deeper into Gaza City on Thursday as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu departed for New York to address the United Nations General Assembly, while diplomatic efforts continue to secure an end to the prolonged conflict.
Escalating Military Action
Thursday’s military operations resulted in at least 19 Palestinian casualties across the Gaza Strip, according to local health officials. The deadliest incident occurred in Lawanda, a town in central Gaza, where Israeli airstrikes targeted a residential building, killing 11 members of two families.
The Israeli Defence Forces reported conducting strikes against 170 targets throughout Gaza in a 24-hour period, focusing on what they described as “terror infrastructure” used by militant groups. Military officials confirmed their ground forces had advanced significantly into Gaza City.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The ongoing offensive, which Israel maintains is necessary to eliminate Hamas following the October 2023 attack, has created a severe humanitarian emergency. Hundreds of thousands of civilians remain trapped in Gaza City, with many expressing fear that no safe evacuation routes exist.
The conflict has resulted in widespread destruction and acute food shortages throughout the Palestinian territory. Medical facilities continue to face critical shortages, as illustrated by the case of five-year-old Yaman Alwan, who was evacuated to Jordan last month for treatment of severe malnutrition that complicated his kidney condition.
“The situation in Gaza is very tragic,” said his mother, Afar Alwen. “There are no laboratories and the hospitals… the situation there is deplorable.”
Diplomatic Developments
U.S. envoy Steve Wyckoff expressed optimism Wednesday about achieving a breakthrough in Gaza negotiations following President Trump’s presentation of a comprehensive 21-point Middle East peace framework to leaders from Muslim-majority nations. Trump also reportedly assured Arab leaders that Israel would not be permitted to annex the West Bank under his administration.
The diplomatic landscape has grown increasingly complex, with Britain, France, Canada, and other nations formally recognizing Palestinian statehood this week. Netanyahu has consistently opposed Palestinian state recognition and plans to criticize these decisions during his UN address.
International Pressure Mounts
Israel faces growing diplomatic isolation over its Gaza campaign, with the International Criminal Court issuing an arrest warrant for Netanyahu on alleged war crimes charges. Israeli officials reject the court’s jurisdiction and deny any wrongdoing.
Despite international criticism, Israel retains strong U.S. support. Trump told the UN this week that recognizing Palestinian statehood could reward what he characterized as Hamas atrocities and potentially fuel continued violence.
High-Stakes Meetings Ahead
Netanyahu is scheduled to address the UN General Assembly on Friday before meeting with Trump next week. The Israeli leader stated his agenda includes discussions on defeating Hamas, securing the release of remaining hostages, and expanding diplomatic relations with countries that don’t formally recognize Israel.
Hostage Situation Remains Critical
Approximately 48 hostages taken during Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack remain in captivity, with intelligence sources believing about 20 are still alive. The original attack killed around 1,200 people and resulted in 251 kidnappings.
Hamas’s military wing has warned that expanding operations in Gaza City could endanger the remaining Israeli hostages, while Israeli forces have called on Gaza residents to “rise and break away from Hamas” to help end the conflict.
According to local health authorities, Israel’s military campaign has resulted in over 65,000 Palestinian deaths since the conflict began.
