Israeli forces have launched a major ground offensive in Gaza City, with tanks moving in after a night of intense airstrikes that destroyed residential buildings and damaged civilian shelters. The Netanyahu government insists the operation is aimed at eliminating Hamas, though security chiefs had previously cautioned that such an incursion could put hostages at risk, cause high Israeli casualties, and potentially lead to the imposition of military rule. Despite these warnings, the offensive has proceeded, intensifying the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have repeatedly instructed civilians to evacuate southward to designated “humanitarian areas.” Officials estimate that around 300,000 Palestinians have managed to flee Gaza City in recent weeks. However, hundreds of thousands remain trapped amid the bombardments, struggling with worsening conditions and limited access to safety. The Gaza Health Ministry, which is run by Hamas, claims that nearly 65,000 Palestinians have been killed since the war erupted following Hamas’ October 7 attack last year.
International responses to the offensive have been divided. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, meeting with Netanyahu in Jerusalem, declared that Hamas could end the war by surrendering and releasing hostages, while also acknowledging that Israel must prepare for the likelihood that Hamas will refuse. Former U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Hamas amid reports that the group may be moving hostages above ground as human shields. He demanded the release of all captives, threatening severe consequences if such tactics were employed. Netanyahu, in turn, expressed gratitude for Trump’s strong backing of Israel’s military campaign.
Meanwhile, accusations of war crimes and genocide continue to surface. Amnesty International has criticized Israel’s actions, though the United Nations has refrained from labeling the conflict genocide, leaving that determination to international courts. Israel has firmly rejected the accusations, reiterating its right to self-defense in the wake of Hamas’s October 7 attack, which killed 1,200 Israelis and saw 251 hostages taken, according to official figures.
