Israel has begun a large-scale ground assault on Gaza City, with Defense Minister Israel Katz declaring, “Gaza is burning.” The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said its troops were now inside the city, dismantling Hamas infrastructure, and warned residents to leave.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the start of the operation during remarks in his ongoing corruption trial, describing it as a “significant operation” aimed at crushing Hamas and freeing hostages.
Escalation of Bombardment
Residents reported intensified airstrikes, naval bombardments, and tank fire over the past 48 hours. Gaza’s health ministry said at least 24 people were killed in the first hours of the assault, mostly in Gaza City. Entire residential blocks were reduced to rubble.
Israel has ordered hundreds of thousands of civilians to evacuate. Around 320,000 people are believed to have fled so far, but an estimated 650,000 remain trapped. The UN and aid groups have condemned the forced displacement, warning of dire conditions in overcrowded southern “humanitarian zones,” where food and water are scarce.
U.S. Backs Israel’s Offensive
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who visited Israel on Monday, voiced support for the military approach, saying Washington wanted a diplomatic end but must prepare for the possibility it won’t happen. He endorsed Israel’s demand for Hamas to lay down arms and release all hostages as a precondition for peace.
Hostages and Internal Israeli Debate
Hamas’s October 2023 attack killed 1,200 people and seized 251 hostages. Israel says 20 of the remaining 48 are alive. Families of hostages protested outside Netanyahu’s residence, accusing him of endangering their loved ones by intensifying military operations instead of pursuing a deal.
Top Israeli security officials are also divided. Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir urged Netanyahu to consider a ceasefire, warning the offensive could jeopardize hostages’ lives and risk a “death trap” for soldiers.
Humanitarian Toll
According to Gaza’s health ministry, Israel’s campaign since October 2023 has killed over 64,000 Palestinians. Aid monitors report famine conditions in parts of the enclave. Israel now controls about 75% of Gaza.
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