Israel Deepens Gaza City Offensive as Netanyahu Heads to the US

Advanced | October 3, 2025

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Gaza City Offensive Intensifies

On September 25, 2025, Israeli forces pushed deeper into Gaza City as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepared to travel to the United States for UN meetings and talks on a potential Gaza deal. Field reports described armor and infantry activity around key corridors and renewed evacuation warnings for civilians in northern districts. This was part of an expanding Gaza City offensive. (Reuters overview noted by staff authors; see recent reports on Sept 24–29 for context: Reuters – Sept 24, Reuters – Sept 27, Reuters – Sept 29)

What Netanyahu Aims to Do in the US

Focus: Diplomacy alongside the Gaza City offensive

Netanyahu’s schedule included a UN General Assembly speech and meetings with US officials as Washington circulated a 21‑point plan seeking an end to the war and a hostage return framework. Israel signaled a combined military‑diplomatic approach—continuing pressure on Hamas while exploring a negotiated outcome that directly related to the ongoing Gaza City offensive. (Reuters – Sept 24; Reuters – Sept 24 plan)

Regional and Humanitarian Stakes

Hospitals, hostages, and aid access

UN agencies warned of mounting risks to patients and displaced families as the Gaza City offensive tightened. UNICEF called for urgent evacuation support to save at least 25 babies in incubators as electricity and supplies ran low. Aid groups also urged secure corridors for medical teams. (Reuters – Sept 29)

Signals from Hamas and the Region

Hamas said it had not yet received the full US peace proposal and warned that expanded operations around Gaza City could endanger hostages. Regional mediators in Egypt and Qatar continued shuttle diplomacy as Washington pushed for a breakthrough. (Reuters – Sept 27)

Politics at the UN

Netanyahu’s UN address drew strong reactions—some delegations reportedly walked out as he criticized Western recognition of Palestinian statehood and vowed to keep pressure on Hamas while seeking the return of hostages. The Gaza City offensive was a central theme of his remarks. (Reuters – Sept 26)

Vocabulary

Offensive (noun) – a large-scale military operation.
E.g.: “The Gaza City offensive escalated over the weekend.”
Evacuation (noun) – the act of moving people from danger to safety.
E.g.: “Evacuation orders covered multiple northern districts.”
Framework (noun) – a structured plan guiding negotiations.
E.g.: “Talks focused on a hostage return framework.”
Mediators (noun) – third parties helping two sides negotiate.
E.g.: “Egypt and Qatar acted as mediators.”
Corridor (noun) – a safe passage for movement.
E.g.: “Aid groups requested secure corridors.”
Hostilities (noun) – acts of war or fighting.
E.g.: “Hostilities intensified overnight.”
Diplomatic track (noun) – the negotiation path alongside military action.
E.g.: “Leaders pursued a diplomatic track while fighting continued.”
Humanitarian (adjective) – related to human welfare.
E.g.: “Humanitarian conditions in Gaza remained dire.”
Incubator (noun) – a device that keeps premature babies warm and stable.
E.g.: “Hospitals warned of incubator power failures.”
Ceasefire (noun) – a temporary stop to fighting.
E.g.: “Negotiators discussed a phased ceasefire.”

Discussion Questions (About the Article)

How does Netanyahu’s US trip interact with the Gaza City offensive on the ground?
What are the key elements of the US plan being discussed, and which stakeholders must agree?
What humanitarian risks are most pressing in Gaza City according to aid agencies?
How might hostage concerns shape military and diplomatic decisions?
What signals did Netanyahu send at the UN, and how might they affect negotiations?

Discussion Questions (About the Topic)

When military pressure and diplomacy happen together, which tends to drive outcomes—and why?
What verification or guarantees would be needed for any ceasefire and hostage exchange?
How do humanitarian constraints influence battlefield choices?
What roles can Egypt and Qatar play that the US or EU cannot?
From a business‑risk view, how should regional companies plan for continued volatility?

Related Idiom

“Move the needle” – to create a noticeable change.
How it applies: Leaders are asking whether the UN meetings will truly move the needle on a ceasefire and hostage deal.

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This article was inspired by: Reuters – Sept 24, Reuters – Sept 27, Reuters – Sept 26, Reuters – Sept 29