International journalists taken on rare army-supervised visit to Gaza City

The Israeli army escorted a group of international journalists through parts of Gaza City on Friday (3 October), offering a rare, closely supervised look at a city devastated by nearly two years of war.

An armoured vehicle moved through deserted streets lined with shattered buildings. Soldiers pointed out a recently discovered tunnel allegedly used by Hamas near a hospital that the Jordanian government once ran.

According to the Israeli military, the latest operation aims to eliminate remaining Hamas strongholds while minimising civilian casualties. However, access for independent verification remains tightly restricted as Israel continues to bar journalists from entering Gaza except under military supervision.

The tour occurred along the Netzarim corridor, a heavily militarised zone dividing northern and southern Gaza. Most hospitals in Gaza have stopped functioning, and the World Health Organisation says only 14 out of 36 remain partially operational.

Israeli officials said their current campaign in Gaza City seeks to pressure civilians to move south, while preparations are underway for a US-brokered ceasefire plan proposed by President Donald Trump.