Israel has launched some of its heaviest strikes on Gaza City, fuelling speculation of a full-scale ground operation. Defence Minister Israel Katz declared: “Gaza is burning. We will not relent and we will not go back until the completion of the mission.”
Israel has intensified air and artillery strikes on Gaza City, with reports suggesting a ground assault may already be underway. Media outlets including Axios and the Jerusalem Post reported unconfirmed claims of Israeli forces moving to seize the city.
Palestinian officials said homes were destroyed and residents trapped under rubble as strikes also hit central Gaza, a key evacuation route. Defence Minister Israel Katz declared on X: “Gaza is burning. We will not relent and we will not go back until the completion of the mission.”
The escalation followed US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, where he reaffirmed Washington’s support.
Inside Israel, families of hostages protested outside Netanyahu’s residence, fearing the offensive could endanger their loved ones.
According to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry, more than 64,500 people have been killed since the conflict began after Hamas’s October 2023 attack on Israel.