URBAN WARFARE
What to Expect in the 2025 Battle of Gaza City
John Spencer
August 21, 2025

On August 20, Defense Minister Israel Katz formally approved the Israel Defense Forces’ (IDF) plan to capture Gaza City under the operational name Gideon’s Chariots B…The first step would be the evacuation of civilians. Between 800,000 and one million people remain in and around Gaza City, with many already moving southward. The IDF has begun issuing warnings to medical authorities and aid organizations in northern Gaza, telling them to prepare for a full transfer of patients and equipment to the south…Once most civilians are evacuated, the IDF will seek to isolate Gaza City before moving in. The operation will test Israel’s ability to fight in the most challenging urban terrain it has ever faced. READ MORE

TIMES OF ISRAEL 60,000 IDF reservists to be called up in coming days ahead of Gaza City takeover Reserve troops will get at least 2 weeks’ notice before reporting for duty, with some sent to replace standing army elsewhere; Katz meets top defense officials to approve IDF’s plans