The blockade on the Gaza Strip has now entered its eighth consecutive week, making it the longest siege since the war began—according to a report published today (Monday) in The Guardian. Residents of Gaza say the pressure exerted by the IDF has driven the situation on the ground into what they describe as “new depths of despair.”
It is estimated that approximately 420,000 people have been displaced in this latest round. The blockade, supported by the United States under President Trump, continues despite international pressure and is intended to cripple Hamas’s military capabilities and prevent the diversion of humanitarian aid for combat use.
Israel Increases Pressure with Plan to Split Gaza City
Amid Hamas’s refusal to release the Israeli hostages held in captivity, the IDF is preparing for a large-scale ground maneuver that will split Gaza City into two, according to a report published yesterday (Sunday) by Walla. The operation is expected to strip Hamas of control over more than 50% of the territory and shift the balance of power on the ground. The maneuver will require a significant call-up of reservists and the redeployment of forces from other sectors.
As part of the plan, food aid is expected to be distributed directly to civilians through American civilian companies, in an effort to bypass Hamas’s control over the local population.
Fighting on Three Fronts: Over 1,300 Targets Destroyed
Meanwhile, fighting continues in the northern, southern, and central parts of the Gaza Strip. According to IDF sources, Israeli forces have so far gained control over roughly 40% of the territory, eliminated more than 400 terrorists, and destroyed dozens of tunnels and infrastructure facilities. The operation combines extensive intelligence and engineering capabilities, aiming to dismantle Hamas’s rule and reduce its ability to function as a governing power.
