After a night of intense airstrikes, the Israeli military declared on Tuesday the commencement of its expanded operation in Gaza City aimed at dismantling Hamas’ military infrastructure. Residents were cautioned to relocate south as Defence Minister Israel Katz remarked, “Gaza is burning,” further escalating the conflict between Israel and Hamas, making a ceasefire seem increasingly distant despite weeks of diplomatic efforts.
Following weeks of warnings regarding the escalation of the Israeli military operation in Gaza City, Katz indicated that the operation had indeed begun. He emphasized the military’s resolute actions against terrorist infrastructure and expressed determination to achieve the mission’s objectives without compromise.
Simultaneously, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio departed from Israel and arrived in Qatar for a meeting with its ruling emir. This visit comes amidst heightened tensions following Israel’s recent strike that resulted in casualties, causing outrage in Qatar and within the Arab and Muslim world.
Rubio, prior to his departure from Israel, hinted at the initiation of the offensive in Gaza City. He stressed the urgency for a swift resolution to the conflict, emphasizing the critical moment at hand and the limited time available for a potential deal to materialize.
Meanwhile, a United Nations Commission of Inquiry released findings on Tuesday concluding that Israel had committed acts of genocide in Gaza. The report implicated top Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in inciting these actions, citing evidence of widespread killings, aid blockades, forced displacements, and destruction of essential facilities.
As the intensity of strikes in Gaza City escalated, reports indicated that over 220,000 Palestinians had evacuated northern Gaza in the past month. Tragically, at least 20 Palestinians were reported killed in a recent strike, with many more injured, underscoring the dire situation unfolding in the region.
In a poignant plea, families of hostages held in Gaza implored Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to halt the operation, highlighting the personal toll of the conflict. Notably, the conflict originated when Hamas militants attacked southern Israel in 2023, leading to a series of events that have resulted in significant casualties and widespread devastation.
Additionally, amid the escalating tensions, Egypt expressed growing discontent with Israel, with President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi labeling Israel as an “enemy” for the first time since the establishment of diplomatic relations. This shift in rhetoric signals a potential strain in the longstanding peace treaty between the two nations, posing further challenges to regional stability.
As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, diplomatic efforts and international intervention remain crucial in de-escalating the conflict and seeking a sustainable resolution.