Israel launches ground offensive to occupy Gaza City, says report

Israel carried out heavy bombardments on Gaza City early Tuesday, according to multiple international media organisations.

Israeli forces launched a ground offensive on Monday to seize the city, Axios, a US media outlet, reported, citing Israeli officials.

The Jerusalem Post reported that the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) began their invasion late Monday night. However, the Times of Israel noted that while airstrikes have intensified in recent days, ground troops have not yet entered the densely populated northern city.

Residents in Gaza denied any tank movement into the city, though they confirmed widespread airstrikes and drone attacks across Gaza City.

Following the strikes, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz declared on Tuesday morning that “Gaza is burning.” He said the IDF was targeting “terror infrastructure” to secure the release of hostages and defeat Hamas, vowing not to stop until the mission is complete.

The Palestinian news agency WAFA also reported nonstop Israeli air raids on Gaza City since Monday night.

According to Israel’s Army Radio, nearly 300,000 Palestinians have fled the city in recent weeks, out of its roughly one million residents.

During his visit to Israel on Monday, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reaffirmed Washington’s “unwavering support” for the offensive, stressing that Hamas must be eradicated before Gazans can have a better future. He made the remarks alongside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem.

Earlier in August, Israel’s Security Cabinet approved a plan to take over Gaza City. Military spokesperson Effie Defrin recently said Israeli forces now control about 40 percent of the city and will “expand and intensify” operations in the coming days to capture the enclave’s largest urban center.