Israel plans decisive phase to eliminate Hamas in Gaza

In an ongoing military engagement, Israel has intensified its operations in Gaza in response to escalating hostilities with Hamas. On August 22, 2025, Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz authorized the major phase of the operation named Operation Gideon’s Chariots B, aiming specifically at Gaza City, which serves as Hamas’s primary stronghold. This operation envisages a targeted assault conducted by five active-duty divisions. A notable aspect of this military plan includes the call-up of approximately 60,000 reservists to bolster forces beginning in September, reflecting the seriousness of the threat posed by Hamas. The Israeli military's strategy revolves around increasing control over Gaza, where the IDF has reportedly gained operational mastery over roughly 75% of the region as of now. The campaign seeks not only to eliminate key Hamas figures—including the military wing's leader Mohammad Sinwar—but also to minimize civilian casualties through advance warnings aimed at evacuating the population from conflict zones. This carefully calculated approach attempts to facilitate humanitarian efforts, ensuring that aid reaches the civilian population instead of Hamas operatives. Despite prior successes, military officials recognize the ongoing challenge of fully dismantling Hamas's operational capabilities, as the group continues to demonstrate resilience. The recent efforts have successfully neutralized about 2,000 militants while targeting approximately 10,000 terror infrastructures, a clear indication of the magnitude of actions undertaken by the IDF. The continuing cycle of military operations underscores Israel's commitment to countering perceived threats amidst complex humanitarian considerations. The recent press briefing by IDF Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin further outlined the current combat situations involving Israeli troops facing coordinated attacks. The interactions between IDF forces and Hamas militants highlight the crucial military engagement in southern Khan Yunis, where IDF troops thwarted an attack from multiple terrorists emerging from strategic tunnel networks. This scenario elucidates the tactical difficulties faced by the IDF while navigating the densely populated urban environments of Gaza, reinforcing the precarious balance between military objectives and civilian safety that Israel is attempting to maintain throughout this unfolding conflict.