TEL AVIV, Israel — Israel's announcement to intensify its military operations in Gaza City has sparked a mix of resignation and defiance among Palestinians, while many Israelis express fear for hostages still held in the region. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed on Friday that Israel would escalate its 22-month conflict with Hamas by taking control of Gaza City, an area heavily damaged by previous military actions.

The planned ground operation is expected to lead to further mass displacement and exacerbate an already dire humanitarian situation. "What does Israel want from us? There is nothing here to occupy," said Umm Youssef, a resident of Gaza City. "There is no life here. I have to walk every day for more than 15 minutes to get drinking water."

Concerns are mounting among families of hostages, including Ruby Chen, a dual U.S.-Israeli citizen whose son is among those captured. "What is the plan now that is different from the last 22 months?" he asked, highlighting fears that the military escalation could endanger the remaining hostages.

Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert criticized the plan, stating, "There’s not any objective that can be achieved that’s worth the cost of the lives of the hostages, the soldiers, and civilians."

Netanyahu has emphasized that military pressure is essential for achieving Israel's goals of recovering hostages and dismantling Hamas. He indicated that Israel aims to eventually take control of all of Gaza and transfer authority to a supportive Arab administration. However, Hamas has vowed to resist any occupation, warning that the incursion will not be easy for Israeli forces.

As the conflict continues, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have already fled Gaza City, with many returning during a ceasefire earlier this year. Residents now focus on survival amid the destruction. Kamel Abu Nahel, from the Shati refugee camp, stated, "I have no intention to leave my home; I will die here."

Currently, Israel controls approximately 75% of the Gaza Strip, where around 2 million Palestinians reside. The ongoing offensive has reportedly resulted in over 61,000 Palestinian deaths, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which is affiliated with Hamas. The ministry claims that women and children constitute about half of the casualties, although Israel disputes these figures.

Ismail Zaydah, a Gaza City resident, expressed his determination to stay, saying, "This is our land; there is no other place for us to go. We are not surrendering. We were born here, and here we die."

The conflict escalated after Hamas militants attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. While many hostages have been released during ceasefires, about 50 remain in Gaza, with fewer than half believed to be alive.

Relatives of hostages have protested against the ongoing war, urging the government to negotiate a ceasefire that would facilitate the return of their loved ones. Yehuda Cohen, whose son is among the captives, criticized Netanyahu, saying, "Somebody’s got to stop this madman called Netanyahu."

Despite the fears, some Israelis support the military action. Tel Aviv resident Susan Makin stated, "They need to go after Hamas. Why are they not asking why Hamas has not given back the hostages and put down their arms?"

The situation remains tense as families of hostages grow increasingly anxious. Recent videos released by militants show two captives in poor condition, raising alarms about their well-being. Retired Israeli general Amir Avivi noted that the military must carefully consider how to handle the situation of hostages in Gaza City, balancing the need for action with the risks involved.

As the conflict continues, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens, with many residents struggling to find food and basic necessities amid the destruction.