The Israeli army launched a ground operation to seize Gaza at midnight Monday (Tuesday morning, Australian time), with tanks reported in the heart of the city.
According to the Jerusalem Post, tanks of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have entered the city’s center.
After weeks of escalating airstrikes on Gaza City—including the demolition of numerous multi-story buildings—it appears the IDF has reached a turning point, moving toward a larger-scale ground invasion.
In recent days, the IDF had gradually expanded its airstrikes in and around the city but, until now, had not sent ground forces into the densely populated northern area of Gaza City, where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians are believed to be sheltering.
The Israeli military reports that approximately 300,000 Palestinians have fled Gaza City in recent weeks. The army has urged all residents to evacuate, though many remain, fearing other parts of the Strip may not be any safer.
According to eyewitnesses cited by Agence France-Presse, Israel heavily bombarded Gaza City early Tuesday morning after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio voiced support for Israel’s offensive in the devastated area.
Hostage Families Outside the Prime Minister’s Residence
At the same time, relatives of hostages held in Gaza gathered outside the prime minister’s residence in Jerusalem as Operation Gideon’s Chariot II commenced in Gaza City. They protested the move and sought to raise awareness about the potential danger to the hostages, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum announced late Monday night.
“After 710 nights of captivity by terrorists, tonight could be the last night for hostages barely surviving—and our last chance to locate and recover the dead for a dignified burial,” their statement said.
“Prime Minister Netanyahu bears personal responsibility for the fate of the hostages. The people of Israel will not forgive the sacrifice of the hostages and soldiers.”
