Image Credits: Business Today
Israeli troops retreated to the Gaza coastal road after a heavy attack in the Tal al-Hawa area, marking a significant moment in the ongoing conflict. The exodus, fueled by fierce opposition and international scrutiny, highlights the region’s instability and complex dynamics.
Early this morning, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched a joint attack on Tal al-Hawa, a densely populated neighbourhood in Gaza City. The operation, part of a wider campaign to neutralize military threats, quickly escalated into intense urban warfare. According to local sources, Hamas fighters put up tremendous resistance to the first attack, resulting in heavy losses on both sides.
Witnesses described scenes of chaos as the battle unfolded. “It was like nothing I’ve ever seen,” said Tal al-Hawa resident Ahmed Mansour. “The streets were full of smoke and the noise of explosions. People ran for their lives”.
The IDF advance was halted as military forces employed guerrilla tactics, exploiting the urban terrain to their advantage. “Our forces encountered considerable resistance,” an IDF spokesman confirmed. “We have decided to withdraw to a more strategic location along the boardwalk to reassess the situation and ensure the safety of our employees.
Humanitarian organizations have expressed serious concerns about the impact on civilians. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency, UNRWA, said several residential buildings were damaged or destroyed in the gunfire, forcing hundreds of families from their homes. “The situation is serious,” UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said. “We need to help the victims quickly.
The international community is closely monitoring the situation and the escalation of calls has increased. Asserting Israel’s right to defend itself, the United States called for restraint. “We are deeply concerned about the growing number of civilian casualties and the humanitarian crisis,” a US State Department spokesman said. “We call on all parties to end hostilities and start a dialogue”.
In the meantime, regional actors also contributed to the issue. Egypt, which has traditionally been a mediator in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, actively sought a ceasefire. “We are in constant contact with both sides,” said the Egyptian diplomat. “Our goal is to broker a ceasefire that will allow humanitarian aid and pave the way for peace negotiations”.
The withdrawal to the coastal roads marks a tactical shift by the IDF, suggesting that a prolonged ground offensive may be off the table for now. Analysts believe the move could signal a preference for air and artillery strikes over ground attacks, reducing the threat to Israeli forces but potentially increasing civilian casualties.