Israeli Offensive, International Condemnation, and US Sanctions

Following an Israeli airstrike on tents housing displaced Palestinians in Deir al Balah, Gaza, on August 21, 2025, Palestinians were seen fleeing the area.

Israel initiated the initial phases of its planned assault on Gaza City, mobilizing 60,000 reservists. This action occurred despite growing international calls for a ceasefire. Concurrently, the United States announced sanctions against four International Criminal Court (ICC) officials, a move interpreted by an analyst as a demonstration of continued US support for Israel. An Israeli military spokesman confirmed that forces were holding positions on the outskirts of Gaza City.

The operation immediately drew international criticism. The UN human rights office stated that Israel's widespread destruction of residential buildings in Gaza City, coupled with the forced displacement of the city's population and those remaining in northern Gaza without essential supplies, constituted violations of international law.

Reports indicated that entire neighborhoods had come under constant Israeli bombardment. Residents described a constant presence of drones and jets in the sky, while they searched for food and shelter amidst debris. Further reports detailed casualties from Israeli drone attacks and other strikes in the region.

Calls for restraint have intensified. The UN Secretary General planned to renew calls for an immediate ceasefire. The French President also warned that the military offensive could lead to disaster and risk a cycle of permanent war. France will co-chair a conference on the two-state solution in New York.

An analyst suggested that Israel's decision to expand the offensive signals its determination to proceed regardless of international opposition. Actions are likely to further fragment Palestinian progress toward statehood.

The escalation coincides with new US sanctions on ICC officials. The US State Department announced measures targeting four ICC figures. Washington stated that the sanctions were intended to impose consequences on those engaged in the ICC's actions against the US and Israel. The ICC strongly rejected the sanctions, calling them an attack against the independence of an impartial judicial institution.

An analyst noted that Israel's ability to sustain military operations in Gaza is linked to US backing. Some US politicians have defended Israel's interests, as shown by repeated US vetoes of UN ceasefire resolutions.

In response to media inquiries, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated that China is closely following the situation in Gaza and hopes for an early ceasefire. Previously, China expressed grave concern about Israel's decision to "take control" of Gaza City and urged Israel to cease the move.