Israeli Forces Enter Gaza City's Sheikh Radwan District with Dozens of Tanks

Israeli ground forces, supported by dozens of tanks and armored vehicles, entered the Sheikh Radwan district of Gaza City on September 17, 2025, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing military offensive. The operation, described by the Israeli military as a push to defeat Hamas fighters and free hostages, has drawn widespread international criticism due to the scale of destruction and civilian casualties.

Intensified Ground Offensive and Civilian Impact

Eyewitnesses and video footage obtained by major news outlets, including the BBC, show columns of Israeli tanks and bulldozers advancing through the densely populated Sheikh Radwan neighborhood, which has been largely reduced to rubble. Local residents reported spending the night under relentless bombardment, with many homes and shelters destroyed. According to Gaza's Health Ministry, at least 65 people were killed across the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, with 37 deaths resulting from an airstrike that obliterated a school in Sheikh Radwan where displaced civilians had sought refuge. The Israeli military claims that up to 400,000 Palestinians have evacuated Gaza City, but estimates suggest that as many as half a million remain trapped amid the siege and ongoing hostilities.

Mass Evacuations and Humanitarian Crisis

Satellite imagery and on-the-ground reporting by ABC News confirm a dramatic reduction in tent camps and shelters in northern Gaza, including Sheikh Radwan, as thousands of Palestinians flee southward. The humanitarian corridor established by Israel in southern Gaza is reportedly overcrowded and unable to support the influx of displaced people. Aid groups and UN agencies have expressed concern over the deteriorating conditions, with many evacuees facing hunger, trauma, and danger along evacuation routes. Despite repeated orders from the Israeli army for civilians to leave Gaza City, many residents lack the resources or ability to relocate, choosing instead to remain in their neighborhoods.

International Response and Ongoing Hostilities

The Israeli offensive has been met with condemnation from international organizations and foreign governments, who have called for the protection of civilians and a cessation of hostilities. The operation is expected to continue for several months, according to Israeli military officials, with no clear plan for withdrawal other than the stated goal of dismantling Hamas. The situation remains fluid, with active fighting, airstrikes, and ground maneuvers ongoing in Gaza City's urban center. The humanitarian crisis is deepening, as access to food, medical care, and safe shelter becomes increasingly scarce for those who remain in the conflict zone.