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Defense officials have confirmed that the Israeli military has begun its previously warned land operation into the densely packed districts of Gaza City.

Phase Called as "Central" Campaign

An IDF official remarked that soldiers had commenced what he called the “primary stage” of the offensive, with an late-night movement from the edges in the direction of the downtown area.

“Last night we began deepening our operations further into the urban zone,” the defense spokesperson said. “This is a gradual thing. It is not a simple thing. But yesterday was a major advance ahead … in operations on the ground.”

Coordinated Action Aimed at Armed Stronghold

“This stage is involves a combined and systematic action combining precise reconnaissance, air and ground forces targeting the militant group's primary stronghold and designed to disrupting its control in this area,” the official said.

The source added that military troops were preparing to meet significant resistance from as many as 3,000 Hamas and affiliated combatants in the city.

“Many of them, we understand, have been there since the beginning the war and are positioned to fight with our forces in streets and in tunnels,” the official said.

International Findings and Israel's Reaction

The offensive was unleashed on a day when a international committee of human rights experts issued a report accusing the Israeli government of carrying out genocide.

“The findings indicate that there is an intent to eliminate the people in the territory through measures that satisfy the standards outlined in the international law,” stated the head of the commission.

The Israeli foreign ministry denied the committee's report as “distorted and untrue”.

Israel Katz, declared in an early morning post on social media: “There is heavy fighting. The military is striking militant sites with an iron fist.”

“We will continue until the goal is achieved,” Katz added.

Local Testimonies and Evacuation Orders

Gaza City civilians reported a period of intense bombardment before the offensive was initiated.

Israeli forces reports that a significant portion of the approximate 1 million population of the area and its surroundings have so far evacuated after Israeli evacuation orders. Israel warned those remaining to follow and to move to the south.

An Arabic-speaking official for the military, Col Avichay Adraee, stated: “We has begun dismantling militant infrastructure in the city.”

“The area is a high-risk battlefield. Being present in the city puts at risk you,” he said on X.

Government Context

Israel's leader, confirmed on that day that “an extensive offensive in the Strip” had started recently, stating that “Israel is at a critical stage.”

The prime minister was addressing at a session of his corruption trial in a Tel Aviv court and used the military action as an reason why he could not participate in extended or regular court hearings.

His critics have suggested that he has prolonged the conflict to put off elections, remain in power and thereby keep his immunity status.

International Response

The ground assault was launched in the aftermath of a brief visit from the American diplomat, the representative, who had pledged “strong” US support for Israel.

As part of what has been viewed in the country as a American approval for the action, the former U.S. leader shared on his Truth Social recently to share an unofficial report that Hamas had transferred several of the estimated 20 captive Israeli hostages up to open areas to serve as protective barriers.

Trump warned Hamas: “Avoid this or, there will be consequences.”