“Gaza is burning” due to the offensive on the city

September 16, 2025, Israel launched the long-awaited ground operation in Gaza, characterizing the situation in the region as “Gaza is burning”.

Start of the Operation

The Israeli Defense Forces entered the active phase of the operation, concentrated in Gaza, the main urban center of the enclave. In this regard, the authorities instructed the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of residents, Reuters reports.

Statements from Authorities

Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed on social media that the army is striking terrorist infrastructure. He noted that the soldiers are doing everything possible to create the conditions necessary for the release of hostages and the elimination of Hamas.

Intensification of Strikes

According to local residents, the intensity of the city’s bombings has significantly increased over the past two nights. The force of the explosions damaged many buildings, and attacking tanks and planes were joined by warships bombarding the coast.

First Casualties

In the first hours of the operation, Gaza health officials recorded at least 24 fatalities, most of which occurred in Gaza itself.

Message to Hamas

Israel previously stated that it is intensifying airstrikes as part of a “powerful barrage”. They are aimed at giving Hamas a final warning — to capitulate or expect the complete destruction of the enclave if they refuse to release all captured individuals.