Palestinian media reports that Israel Defence Forces (IDF) ground forces advanced towards Deir al-Balah in central Gaza during the night.

The ground attack follows extensive air strikes against various areas in the Gaza Strip. According to reports, heavy artillery was fired and air strikes were carried out in the eastern area of Deir al-Balah as the forces advanced, writes Times of Israel.

Deir al-Balah is one of the few areas in Gaza where IDF ground forces have yet to operate during the war. Forces have previously operated on the outskirts of the city, but not deep inside it.

The IDF said yesterday that it had launched the first phase of a new offensive in Gaza.

⭕️ The IDF has begun conducting extensive strikes and mobilising troops to achieve operational control in the areas of Gaza, over the past day.
This is part of preparations to expand operations and fulfil the objectives of the war – including the release of hostages and the…

– Israel Defence Forces (@IDF) May 16, 2025

Palestinian media are reporting heavy attacks across Gaza during the night.

Israel has called up tens of thousands of reservists for the new offensive, in which troops will hold on to captured territory, leading to a significant displacement of the population, Benjamin Netanyahu has said. Israeli ministers have talked about conquering all of Gaza.

– The latest wave of attacks gives the impression that a permanent demographic change is being worked on in Gaza, says UN human rights chief Volker Türk.

Türk is following the UN lead, arguing that this would violate international law and would amount to ethnic cleansing. Türk also uses the customary term «genocide».

Even long after Hamas itself has admitted that a majority of those killed in the war are men of fighting age, Western media such as The Guardian continue to claim that a majority of those killed are women and children.