Urban battle from past Gaza war offers glimpse of what an Israeli ground offensive might look like

The past urban battle that unfolded nearly a decade ago during Israel’s third war against Hamas provides insight into what an Israeli ground offensive might resemble as they prepare to take action against Hamas for their recent actions in southern Israel. This particular engagement occurred on July 19, 2014, with the focus on Shijaiyah, a densely populated district in Gaza City that the Israeli army claimed had been turned into a “terrorist fortress” by Hamas, featuring tunnels, rocket launchers, and booby traps.

The battle took place on the third day of a ground offensive following a 10-day air campaign. Similar to the current situation, Palestinian civilians were urged to evacuate the area, yet many chose to remain, either due to Hamas’ instructions or a lack of alternative shelter.

As Israeli forces advanced into Shijaiyah, a maze of low-rise concrete buildings and narrow alleyways, militants unleashed a heavy barrage of automatic gunfire, anti-tank missiles, and rocket-propelled grenades. An armored personnel carrier experienced mechanical issues, leading two soldiers to exit the vehicle to address the problem. Tragically, a militant fired an anti-tank missile at the carrier, resulting in its destruction and the loss of all seven soldiers inside. Amid the ensuing chaos, Hamas fighters managed to take away the remains of one of the soldiers, which they still hold.

In response to this dire situation, soldiers were ordered to seek refuge in their armored vehicles while artillery units launched 600 shells, and aircraft conducted airstrikes from above. The following day, Israeli warplanes dropped 100 one-ton bombs on the area.

During this 2014 battle, an Israeli soldier described a sense of “craziness” due to the intensity of the firepower employed. The consequences were severe, with 55 civilians killed, including 19 children and 14 women, as confirmed by a U.N. report, in addition to an unspecified number of militants. Thirteen Israeli soldiers also lost their lives.

Retired Israeli general Amir Avivi, who served alongside top commanders during the 2014 conflict, anticipates a different approach this time, emphasizing the importance of initiating artillery and airstrikes before a ground maneuver. This strategy aims to minimize casualties among Israeli troops. However, the tremendous firepower used in the initial stages had devastating effects on civilians and caused extensive destruction in the neighborhood, with the U.N. report documenting the destruction of 670 buildings and severe damage to nearly 1,200 more, along with 270 craters.

Notably, the International Criminal Court is investigating possible war crimes committed by both sides during the 2014 war, although Israel declined to cooperate, citing biases in U.N. bodies against them.

With Israel now planning a comprehensive air, ground, and naval offensive in the near future, and with troops and tanks amassed along the Gaza border, the situation is on the brink of another significant escalation. Shijaiyah is expected to be a primary target if Israeli forces decide to advance.

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More about Gaza Urban Battle

• Gaza conflict: Israel’s ground offensive in 2014
• UN report on the 2014 Shijaiyah operation
• International Criminal Court investigation into 2014 Gaza war