Israeli Forces Launch Ground Operation in Deir al-Balah, Central Gaza

Israeli tanks entered Deir al-Balah in central Gaza on Monday, marking the first ground operation in this area since the conflict began 21 months ago, according to Israeli media, aid agencies, and eyewitnesses. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) did not comment directly, but Israel Army Radio reported that the Golani Brigade had started a ground maneuver in the southern Deir al-Balah area, following aerial and artillery strikes the previous night. The operation currently involves one brigade and is expected to continue for several weeks, according to Army Radio.

On Sunday, the Israeli military ordered the evacuation of nearly 6 square kilometers in Deir al-Balah, distributing thousands of leaflets to residents. The IDF's Arabic language spokesperson stated that the military is expanding its activities to areas where it had not previously operated, aiming to destroy enemy capabilities and infrastructure.

Israeli media noted previous reluctance to conduct ground operations in Deir al-Balah due to concerns about the safety of hostages potentially held there. The Hostages Families Forum expressed alarm over the assault, calling on the government to clarify whether the offensive puts hostages at risk.

Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP), an NGO with staff in the area, reported a combined ground and air assault. MAP's Communications Officer in Gaza, Mai Elawawda, described the situation as extremely critical, noting that military vehicles were within 400 meters of their staff and families.

Residents described intense shelling and airstrikes, with some saying there was no prior warning before tanks advanced. Many reported leaving their homes or tents with few or no belongings amid ongoing explosions and artillery fire.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) estimated that 50,000 to 80,000 people were in the evacuation zone, many already displaced. OCHA warned that the area includes humanitarian warehouses, medical facilities, and critical water infrastructure, and that damage could have life-threatening consequences. The UN agency also stated that displacement orders now cover nearly 88 percent of Gaza, severely restricting humanitarian access and leaving civilians concentrated in a small portion of the territory.