Israel Launches Main Ground Operation in Gaza City
Gaza City – Israel’s defense minister, Israel Katz, stated on Tuesday that “Gaza is burning” following overnight strikes targeting Gaza City, signaling a meaningful escalation in the conflict. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, while en route from Israel to Qatar, suggested the offensive had commenced, noting a “very short window of time” remaining for a potential deal to resolve the situation.
“The Israelis have begun to take operations there,” Rubio told journalists. “We think we have days and maybe a few weeks” to reach an agreement. He expressed hope for a negotiated settlement where Hamas would “demilitarise” and cease posing a threat, but acknowledged, “Sometimes when you’re dealing with a group of savages like Hamas, that’s not possible.”
Both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Secretary Rubio stated on Monday that ending the conflict requires the elimination of Hamas and the release of the 48 remaining hostages – approximately 20 of whom are believed to be alive - rejecting calls for an interim ceasefire.
Hamas has conditioned the release of hostages on the release of Palestinian prisoners, a lasting ceasefire, and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
The current conflict began on October 7th,2023,when Hamas-led militants entered southern israel,killing around 1,200 peopel,primarily civilians,and abducting 251. While most hostages have as been released through ceasefires facilitated by Qatar and other agreements, the situation remains volatile.
According to Gaza’s Hamas-controlled health ministry, Israel’s subsequent offensive has resulted in at least 64,871 Palestinian deaths. The ministry reports that roughly half of those killed are women and children. The ministry is part of the hamas-run government and employs medical professionals.
