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  Published in Politics and Government on Monday, September 8th 2025 at 16:04 GMT by The Jerusalem Post Blogs
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Israel Intensifies Its Gaza Offensive, Prompting International Backlash

In a rapidly escalating cycle of violence that has once again drawn global attention to the Israeli‑Palestinian conflict, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Tuesday that they will resume large‑scale air strikes and ground operations in the Gaza Strip. The decision follows a failed cease‑fire attempt that was brokered by the United Nations in early March, a move that ultimately proved temporary. According to the JPost’s reporting, the Israeli government claims that the renewed campaign is aimed at neutralising Hamas’s growing arsenal of rockets and its network of underground tunnels, which it says have become “more sophisticated and better protected” since the last Israeli‑Hamas truce.

The Key Elements of the New Offensive

• Targeted Air Strikes – The IDF will focus on “critical infrastructure” that facilitates rocket launches, including storage facilities, launch pads, and the tunnel system that extends under the Gaza–Israel border. Israeli officials state that the attacks are calibrated to minimise civilian casualties, though the dense urban environment of Gaza complicates precision targeting.

• Ground Operations – If the air campaign fails to stop the rocket barrage, the Israeli government warns that it may “push forward into Gaza” with ground troops, in a manner similar to the offensive launched in October 2023. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant have signalled that the troops would be deployed in the southern districts of Gaza, where Hamas has long been entrenched.

• Intelligence‑Based Measures – The IDF claims that they have gathered intelligence indicating that Hamas is building new “rocket‑firing tunnels” that can bypass Israel’s Iron Dome air‑defence system. In response, the IDF is deploying the “MIM‑23 Hawk” system, a ground‑based missile interceptor, to counter rockets that evade the Iron Dome.

The article notes that the Israeli offensive is part of a broader strategy to neutralise what the government describes as an existential threat. “We are moving toward a full‑scale operation to break Hamas’s command structure, remove its ability to fire rockets and to destroy the tunnels that have protected it from previous IDF incursions,” Netanyahu said in a statement on Israel’s state radio.

Civilian Toll and Humanitarian Concerns

The renewed offensive comes at a time when Gaza’s civilian population is already suffering from extreme shortages of electricity, water and medical supplies. According to the JPost’s coverage, UN humanitarian agencies report that at least 9,200 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since the beginning of the current conflict, while more than 250 Israelis have died, mostly as a result of rocket fire from Hamas. In addition, the Israeli air strikes have damaged schools, hospitals and residential buildings in Gaza’s densely populated districts of Khan Younis and Rafah, intensifying concerns about a humanitarian crisis.

The article references a statement from the World Health Organization (WHO), which warned that the current situation could lead to a “catastrophic” shortage of medical supplies and that hospitals are running out of oxygen and other life‑saving equipment. In a related JPost report, a WHO spokesperson said that the organization is “monitoring the situation closely” and is “working to provide aid in the most difficult conditions.”

International Reaction

The international community has largely condemned Israel’s decision to resume large‑scale operations in Gaza. A joint statement from the United Nations Security Council, released after the failed truce, urged both sides to “cease all hostilities immediately” and called for a “return to the negotiated ceasefire that protects civilians.” The article notes that the UN’s “Special Rapporteur on the Right to Health” expressed alarm that the escalating violence was undermining basic human rights in Gaza.

On the U.S. side, Secretary of State Antony Blinken has been in frequent talks with Israeli officials. Blinken said in a brief statement that the United States would continue to support Israel’s right to defend itself, while also emphasizing the need to protect civilians. “The U.S. remains committed to helping all parties achieve a lasting solution to the conflict,” Blinken said.

Russia and China have called for an immediate ceasefire, while European nations have urged both Israel and Hamas to resume peace negotiations. The article cites a statement from the European Union’s External Action Service, which said the EU “stands ready to provide diplomatic support to achieve a ceasefire.”

Domestic Politics in Israel

Within Israel, the decision has sparked intense debate. Critics argue that the renewed offensive will only lead to further civilian casualties and that it could damage Israel’s international standing. Supporters, meanwhile, claim that the Israeli government is exercising its sovereign right to protect its citizens from a persistent threat. The article references a recent JPost feature on Israeli public opinion, which found that a majority of respondents support a “stronger military response” but are concerned about the long‑term impact on Israeli society.

Looking Ahead

While the IDF has not provided a timetable for the ground operation, the JPost notes that officials have already begun “re‑manning” units in southern Israel in anticipation of possible incursions. The article warns that if the offensive goes forward, Gaza could face “intensified bombardment” that may further exacerbate the humanitarian crisis and potentially trigger an international diplomatic backlash.

In conclusion, the JPost’s coverage paints a picture of a conflict at a new, more dangerous phase. As Israel ramps up its military operations, the world watches with increasing concern that a fragile ceasefire could collapse into a broader humanitarian disaster. The JPost will continue to follow the situation closely, bringing readers updates on the military developments, diplomatic negotiations and the evolving humanitarian landscape in Gaza.