Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip – July 21 2025 — Israeli ground forces entered Deir al-Balah for the first time since the start of this ongoing conflict, marking a dramatic expansion in their military operations into previously less targeted parts of Gaza. Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed this incursion early Monday morning and described it as a targeted ground operation aimed at dismantling Hamas infrastructure and neutralizing any threats in central Gaza.
Deir al-Balah, located at the center of Gaza’s coastal strip, had until now been spared direct ground confrontation during Israel’s ongoing conflict since October 2023. With this new ground assault by IDF forces targeting Deir al-Balah it marks a shift in strategic focus that had focused mostly on northern Gaza and areas surrounding Khan Younis in southern Gaza.
Witnesses in Deir al-Balah reported heavy gunfire, tank shelling and drone activity throughout the night. Local health officials estimated at least 22 Palestinians, including women and children, had been killed within hours of the assault’s start; several homes had also been reported destroyed while power outages resulted from infrastructure damage.
IDF troops announced in a statement that their troops were conducting operations against tunnels, weapons caches and suspected command centers used by Hamas and other militant groups. An IDF spokesperson explained: “This operation forms part of our ongoing mission to restore security to Israeli citizens by eliminating terrorist threats located deep within civilian areas.
Palestinian officials and humanitarian organizations criticized Israel’s move, with Palestinian officials and humanitarian organizations warning of potential humanitarian catastrophe in central Gaza if this assault expands further. According to Gaza Ministry of Health data, hospitals in Deir al-Balah have already become overburdened from ongoing blockades and airstrikes from Israel; critical supplies like generator fuel have run short due to this blockade and prolonged airstrikes from Israel.
Responding to the incursion, Hamas launched a barrage of rockets at southern Israel – prompting sirens in Ashkelon and surrounding areas – but no injuries were immediately reported as most rockets were intercepted by Iron Dome’s defense system.
International reactions were immediate. The UN has issued an immediate ceasefire order and expressed deep alarm at the increasing civilian deaths, insisting all parties respect international humanitarian law and that operations expanding into central Gaza could pose grave threats to civilian lives already struggling for survival.
The Biden administration strongly advised restraint and stressed the urgent humanitarian assistance to affected areas. Egypt and Qatar, who were mediating parties involved in ceasefire negotiations at this point, expressed worry that any further escalation might dismantle months of diplomatic efforts.
As the situation in Deir al-Balah remains unstable and fluid, residents are reported attempting to flee despite limited options for safe passage. The latest ground offensive adds another level of complexity to an already difficult conflict which has uprooted over 1.5 million Gazans and resulted in thousands of casualties on both sides.
Israel’s attack on Deir al-Balah highlights its broadening military campaign and raises pertinent questions regarding future of war-torn region and any hope for peace in it.
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