Israel has commenced its long-anticipated ground offensive in Gaza City, executing the operation shortly after the visit of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who reiterated support for Israel’s objective of eliminating Hamas. This military escalation has raised substantial international concern, particularly in light of a recent U.N. investigation labeling Israel’s actions as “genocide” and holding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials responsible for incitement.
In the early hours of the operation, Israeli forces intensified their bombardment of Gaza City, the largest urban area in the territory and a significant stronghold for Hamas. Military officials confirmed that troops have advanced deeper into central Gaza City, estimating that between 2,000 to 3,000 Hamas militants are currently positioned in the region.
Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, described Gaza City as “on fire,” emphasizing that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are aggressively targeting terrorist infrastructure with the primary goal of securing the release of hostages and dismantling Hamas. Eyewitness accounts from residents of Gaza City report relentless bombing, exacerbating the destruction that has marked the region since the commencement of conflicts in October 2023.
Rubio’s support for the offensive emerged during talks with Netanyahu, where he highlighted the urgency of the situation. He noted that the window for a diplomatic solution is closing rapidly, expressing concern that the opportunity for negotiations could evaporate within days or weeks. Despite advocating for a diplomatic resolution involving the demilitarization of Hamas, Rubio conceded the challenges of negotiating with the militant group, especially given their hostage leverage.
Families of hostages expressed deep anxiety over Netanyahu’s decision to escalate military strikes, fearing it would thwart any potential negotiations for their loved ones’ release.
The international community has reacted strongly to the latest developments. The U.N. Independent International Commission of Inquiry asserted that genocide is taking place in Gaza, attributing responsibility to the Israeli state. The report, which faced harsh Israeli rebuttal, pointed to statements from Israeli leadership and documented actions indicating intent to harm Palestinians as a group.
Israeli officials categorically rejected the report’s findings, calling for its immediate retraction, while also maintaining that they have been wrongly accused. In parallel, Rubio indicated hopes that Qatar would continue efforts in mediating the situation, despite recent Israeli airstrikes targeting Hamas leaders in the Gulf state.
Casualty figures from the ongoing conflict are staggering. The Gaza civil defense agency reported at least 27 more deaths attributable to Israeli fire on Tuesday alone. The limitations on media access and verification means independent confirmation of these figures remains challenging.
The backdrop to this military escalation is a looming significant diplomatic event. A week ahead of a UN summit led by France—which is expected to see recognition of a Palestinian state by several Western nations—Rubio declared such recognition as “largely symbolic.” Netanyahu’s administration, staunchly opposed to Palestinian statehood, hinted at possible unilateral actions in response to any such recognition.
The human toll of the conflict continues to mount; the October 2023 Hamas attacks resulted in over 1,200 fatalities, primarily civilians, while Israeli retaliatory actions in Gaza have led to the deaths of approximately 64,905 people, the vast majority being civilians, according to health ministry reports in Gaza deemed credible by international observers.
