Israeli forces launched a ground assault Monday into Deir al-Balah, a central Gaza city that has become a refuge for displaced Palestinians and a hub for humanitarian aid, Israeli media and aid agencies reported.
This marks the first ground incursion in the area since the war began 21 months ago. Israeli military-run news outlet Army Radio reported that the IDF’s Golani Brigade had “begun a ground maneuver in the southern Deir al-Balah area,” following aerial and artillery strikes the night before.
The Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP), which has staff in Deir al-Balah, also reported ground operations taking place in the area. “Shelling is taking place all around our office, and military vehicles are just 400 meters away from our colleagues and their families,” MAP’s Communications Officer in Gaza, Mai Elawawda said.
The World Health Organization (WHO) said that Israeli troops entered its warehouse compound in Deir al-Balah during its operations on Monday, forcing staff to flee amid “active conflict.” WHO said the warehouse was damaged by explosions and is now inoperable.
WHO operations compromised following attacks on warehouse and facility sheltering staff and families in Gaza
WHO condemns in the strongest terms the attacks on a building housing WHO staff in Deir al Balah, in the middle area of Gaza, the mistreatment of those sheltering there,… pic.twitter.com/CWe68tNiX9
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) July 21, 2025
The ground operations came a day after the Israeli military ordered the immediate evacuation of six city blocks in southern Deir al-Balah, warning it would destroy the enemy’s infrastructure there.
“The IDF continues to operate with great force to destroy the enemy’s capabilities and terror infrastructure in the area, as it expands its activities into an area where it has not operated before,” the IDF’s Arabic-language spokesperson, Col. Avichay Adraee, wrote on X on Sunday.
The advancement into Deir al-Balah was announced as clashes persisted across the Gaza Strip, alongside ongoing ceasefire talks in Qatar.
The IDF has yet to officially acknowledge the launch of ground operations in Deir al-Balah.
