Gaza City In Ruins As Israeli Offensive Looms

 

Just two years ago, Gaza City was bustling with daily life. Schools were full of children, markets overflowed with shoppers, and beachside cafés offered an escape from the hardships of the enclave.

With thousands of years of history and countless archaeological sites, Gaza City has long been a center of culture and trade. It became the de facto capital of Hamas after the group seized control of the territory in 2007. Despite years of conflict, blockade, and authoritarian rule, the city maintained a fragile rhythm of life, supported by regional aid and underground networks that brought in goods.

Today, that world has collapsed. Months of Israeli bombardment—launched in retaliation for Hamas’ deadly attack nearly two years ago—have left Gaza City in ruins. Towers lie in rubble, sewage and garbage flood the streets, and residents survive amid the constant hum of drones and airstrikes.

Daily Struggles Amid Destruction

With Hamas’ policing apparatus dismantled, families fend for themselves. Food and clean water are scarce, and hospitals no longer function. Markets display a random collection of overpriced goods, often seized by gangs from the few aid convoys that manage to enter.

Dust from explosions chokes the air, stray dogs turned feral by hunger attack residents, and electricity comes sporadically from jury-rigged generators. Cash enters through informal networks but at steep costs, with commissions reaching up to half the withdrawal amount.

Hamas in Hiding

Once a visible presence on Gaza’s streets, Hamas has largely vanished from public view. Its offices and stations have been destroyed, and its militants stay underground, operating in secrecy. Critics inside the city question the group’s strategy, noting that its arsenal has failed to shield civilians from relentless bombardment and hunger.

Though weakened, Hamas occasionally re-emerges. During a ceasefire earlier this year, fighters paraded publicly, a signal of survival despite Israel’s campaign to dismantle the group. New militant subgroups, such as “Al Rade’a,” have also surfaced, targeting gangs accused of exploiting the chaos.

Israel’s Next Move

Israel has signaled plans for a new offensive in Gaza City, one of Hamas’ last strongholds. Military officials say residents will be given time to evacuate before operations begin, but the coming assault is expected to be intense.

The Israel Defense Forces anticipate facing a heavily entrenched enemy using Gaza’s vast underground tunnel system, known as the “metro,” to stage ambushes and prolong the fight. Analysts warn the battle could take months, requiring tens of thousands of troops to clear the city’s dense neighborhoods.

Meanwhile, international governments and aid groups caution that a new assault could cause catastrophic civilian casualties, raising renewed concerns about human rights abuses, displacement, and the already dire humanitarian crisis.