Israel Launches Ground Assault on Gaza City

Israel initiated a long-anticipated ground assault on Gaza City before dawn on Tuesday, shortly after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio publicly supported its aim of eradicating Hamas in the territory.

Military Offensive

• Israeli forces moved deeper into Gaza City, the largest urban hub in the territory, following intense overnight bombardment.
• A military official stated: “Last night, we transitioned into the next phase, the main phase of the plan for Gaza City… Forces have expanded ground activity into Hamas’s main stronghold.”
• Defence Minister Israel Katz described Gaza City as “on fire”, adding: “The IDF is striking terrorist infrastructure with an iron fist, and IDF soldiers are fighting bravely to create the necessary conditions for the release of hostages and the defeat of Hamas.”

US Diplomatic Support

Rubio met Netanyahu on Monday and reaffirmed US backing for the offensive. He highlighted the urgent timeline for negotiations, stating:

“We probably have days and maybe a few weeks to go… Sometimes when you’re dealing with a group of savages like Hamas, [demilitarisation] is not possible, but we hope it can happen.”

Rubio also visited families of hostages in Jerusalem, acknowledging that Hamas held leverage through civilian and hostage presence:”If there were no hostages and no civilians in the way, this war would have ended a year and a half ago.”

UN Charges of Genocide

The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry (COI) accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza:

• Commission Chief Navi Pillay stated: “Genocide is occurring in Gaza and is continuing to occur. The responsibility lies with the State of Israel.”
• The COI cited statements by Israeli civilian and military officials and patterns of military conduct as evidence of intent to destroy Palestinians in Gaza.
• The report concluded that Netanyahu, President Isaac Herzog, and former defence minister Yoav Gallant had incited genocide.

Israel rejected the report, calling it “distorted and false” and demanded the immediate abolition of the COI.

Casualties and Humanitarian Impact

• Gaza’s civil defence agency reported at least 27 deaths on Tuesday alone due to Israeli strikes.
• Media restrictions and limited access to affected areas prevent independent verification of these figures.
• Since October 2023, Hamas’s attack on Israel killed 1,219 people, mostly civilians. Israel’s retaliatory campaign has killed at least 64,905 people, predominantly civilians, according to Gaza’s health ministry.

Diplomatic Backdrop

Rubio’s visit preceded a UN summit led by France, where Western governments plan to recognise a Palestinian state.

• Rubio described such recognition as largely symbolic.
• Netanyahu warned of unspecified unilateral measures in response to any statehood recognition.

Qatar, which has been mediating ceasefire efforts in Gaza, remained a focal point. Rubio emphasised: “If there’s any country in the world that could help end this through a negotiation, it’s Qatar.”

This ground offensive represents a critical escalation in the nearly two-year Gaza war, coinciding with intensifying diplomatic efforts and mounting international scrutiny over civilian casualties and humanitarian concerns.