Military operations in Gaza City are expected to be followed by potential new offensives in central Gaza’s densely populated refugee camps, according to a former senior Israeli security official. The warning comes as humanitarian organizations report receiving indirect notifications to limit investments in central Gaza facilities.
The former official indicated that after completing the current Gaza City campaign, which he estimated would involve three months of intensive combat followed by six months of stabilization operations, military attention could shift to the central camps region. This area includes the long-established Nuseirat and Bureij refugee camps, which have absorbed substantial numbers of displaced civilians from other parts of Gaza and have experienced repeated aerial bombardments.
Humanitarian workers operating in Gaza disclosed that during recent coordination meetings, Israeli military representatives discouraged significant resource allocation to new facilities in the central camps zone. One aid official stated the clear implication was that military operations were planned for the area, though the timing remained unspecified.
A potential expansion of ground operations would intensify the already severe humanitarian situation across Gaza. International experts report famine conditions have taken hold in northern areas, with malnutrition widespread throughout the territory. The conflict has resulted in extensive civilian casualties and infrastructure destruction since hostilities escalated following cross-border attacks last year.
Recent weeks have seen massive population displacement from Gaza City, with United Nations figures indicating hundreds of thousands have fled southward. Medical facilities have received evacuation orders, and residents describe intense bombardment from multiple military platforms.
The current offensive proceeded despite reported objections from some senior military and intelligence figures. Some analysts suggest political considerations may be influencing military decision-making, though official statements maintain the operation aims to dismantle militant infrastructure.
Military commentators have questioned the strategic necessity of expanded operations, noting that previous campaigns had already significantly degraded militant capabilities. Meanwhile, other security analysts argue the broader objective remains demonstrating that attacks against Israel will incur substantial consequences.
Civilian populations continue to face impossible choices, with widespread reports of people lacking safe evacuation routes or resources to relocate. Once-vibrant urban centers have been reduced to uninhabitable ruins, creating a displacement crisis with no clear resolution in sight.
