Two fronts opened as vehicles linked to the Israel Defense Forces were observed moving through the west and along the Gaza shore, according to images distributed by the military. In the eastern sector, dozens of Israeli tanks reached the outskirts of the Zeitoun district near Gaza City, using the Salah Ed-Din highway that runs north to south through the Strip. Eyewitnesses cited by AFP said the tanks blocked the highway and fired on every approaching vehicle. These details align with Tel Aviv’s statement about a new phase of the war, launched in retaliation for the October 7 massacre in which around 1,400 people, largely civilians, were killed. The campaign has included continuous bombardments of nearby buildings, with casualty figures reported by the Gaza Health Ministry exceeding 8,000, including more than 3,500 children. The Strip remains effectively sealed, with water, electricity, and food supplies cut off and with entry and exit severely restricted.
“No progress has been made”
Hamas asserted that the Israeli army has not achieved ground gains. In a statement attributed to the Gaza government controlled by the Islamic Resistance Movement, spokesman Salama Maaruf said there has been “no land progress in residential neighborhoods in the Gaza Strip.” Eyewitness accounts collected by Reuters suggested that the tanks withdrew after a brief assault. A graphic update from social media shared by Loop News depicted a Merkava tank firing on a civilian vehicle along the Salah Ed-Din road, about three kilometers from the Israeli border, with the driver and two passengers reported killed. Local sources corroborated the reporting, though different outlets provided varying details on the incident. Official channels from Israel described ongoing ground operations and the deployment of additional forces, including infantry and armored units, while asserting that troops had killed numerous militants who were positioned behind barricades in buildings and tunnels.
Three axes of advance
The military analysis offered the view that three axes could shape the operation: one along the coast, a second to the east, and a third through the Gaza Valley corridor to the southwest. An analyst noted that Israel often seeks to advance through the dry channel, a natural barrier described as a kind of valley. If the current trajectory persists, this could mark the first phase of a siege aimed at isolating the Gaza City area from essential supplies. The goal would be to pressure civilian populations toward relocation and compel Hamas to surrender or seek terms with the Palestinian Authority or the Israeli forces. Historical references include parallels to past sieges in Lebanon, where a city could be surrounded without a full ground incursion, and to urban sieges in Fallujah, Mosul, Mariupol, and other ancient or modern conflicts. The overarching question remains whether siege tactics would pave the way for negotiated outcomes or demand open-city declarations that would alter the calculus for all parties involved.
“Hannibal Directive” and hostages
Recent information from Israeli authorities indicates that Hamas launched a hostage-taking operation, with 239 people abducted during the cross-border attacks. Families of the detained have faced mounting fear as the lives of those held become more precarious under the ongoing bombardments and ground actions. Analysts have noted that Israel might apply its so-called Hannibal directive, which prioritizes battlefield objectives over hostage negotiations when captives are involved. The principle, described by security experts, is that the state would rather accept losses than allow hostage situations to dictate military moves. This debate has intersected with a high-level meeting in Washington where U.S. officials urged caution and strategic balance, emphasizing the need to avoid missteps seen in past occupations. The Israeli military has acknowledged uncertainty about its plan beyond the immediate destruction of Hamas military infrastructure and the dismantling of the Al-Qassam Brigades’ capabilities in Gaza. The United States has pressed for clarity on the post-conflict arrangement and the international role that might help stabilize the region, including potential involvement from international peacekeepers. The question remains what path will be pursued to govern and restore order once the ground campaign evolves and how the civilian population will be protected amid ongoing operations.
Observers highlight the weight of the discussions between U.S. officials and Israeli strategists and the broader implications for regional stability. As the conflict unfolds, questions persist about the future governance of the Strip and the long-term plan for 2.2 million residents. Analysts suggest that international actors will have to weigh containment, reconstruction, and security guarantees to prevent a renewed cycle of violence and humanitarian crises. The situation remains fluid, with every military development drawing sharp scrutiny from global observers who monitor the balance between military objectives and humanitarian considerations.