ISLAMABAD: Israel widened its ground operation in Gaza City on Tuesday, pressing further into the heart of the blockaded enclave as the humanitarian crisis worsens and international criticism mounts.
Israel claims its expanded military offensive seeks to dismantle Hamas’s control over Gaza City and secure the release of hostages, despite the enclave being heavily devastated by its forces since October 2023.
US confirms support for Israel
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is on a diplomatic trip to Israel, confirmed broad American support for the Israeli offensive. He also warned that diplomatic efforts have a “narrow” timeframe.
Rubio, following talks with Netanyahu, stated openly that the conflict will only conclude with Hamas’s ‘elimination’ and the release of all hostages.
Hamas, in contrast, demands prisoner releases, a lasting ceasefire, and Israeli withdrawal before considering hostage negotiations.
Latest Israeli offensive against Gaza
Palestinian residents reported heavy bombardment across Gaza City. One strike destroyed a house in the west, killing at least five Palestinians, including two children, according to a local hospital.
Another attack damaged three houses in the southwest, with medics searching for survivors amid the rubble. A Gaza resident described it as a “heavy night.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that ending the conflict required eliminating Hamas and securing the release of the remaining 48 hostages. About 20 are believed to be still alive. He rejected calls for an interim ceasefire.
Meanwhile, Hamas demanded the release of Palestinian prisoners, a lasting ceasefire, and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza before freeing hostages.
More than 64,871 Palestinians, including 18,000 children, have been killed, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Israel laid siege to the blockaded enclave in October 2023.
Israel launches expanded operation in Gaza
The Israeli military announced Tuesday it expanded operation in Gaza aimed at destroying allegedly Hamas’ military ‘infrastructure’ has officially begun.
Residents have been urged to move south, although overcrowding and lack of transportation make evacuation difficult for many.
The Israeli Defense Minister said the occupying forces would continue their mission until Hamas was ‘defeated’ and hostages were ‘freed’.
Rubio, who is departing Israel for Qatar, said that a prolonged war is worse, and the goal remains a negotiated settlement with Hamas defeated.
Over 220,000 Palestinians have fled northern Gaza after Israeli warnings, but many remain in the overcrowded south. Families of hostages held by Hamas gathered outside Netanyahu’s residence, pleading for a halt to the operation to protect their loved ones.
Both Netanyahu and Rubio insist the conflict will only end with Hamas’ elimination and hostage release, rejecting calls for an interim ceasefire. Hamas demands the release of Palestinian prisoners, a lasting ceasefire, and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza before freeing the hostages.
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