Tel Aviv: Israeli forces reportedly launched their ground offensive to occupy Gaza City this week, aimed at "rooting out" Hamas. According to Axios, tanks entered Gaza City after hours of heavy airstrikes that flattened residential towers and damaged civilian shelters.
Israel said this week that it has opened a “temporary transportation route" to allow civilians to flee Gaza City, even as its forces pressed deeper into the territory with a major ground offensive following days of heavy bombardment.
Military spokesperson Avichay Adraee announced that the passage, running along Salah al-Din Street, would remain open for 48 hours only, urging residents to use the corridor to move south. Officials said around 300,000 Palestinians have fled Gaza City in recent weeks, but hundreds of thousands are still trapped in war-torn areas.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not ruled out further strikes on Hamas leaders following last week's attack in Qatar, saying they would not have immunity "wherever they are".
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who met Netanyahu in Jerusalem this week, said Hamas could end the war by releasing hostages and surrendering. "We have to be prepared for the possibility that’s not going to happen," he said.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who met Netanyahu in Jerusalem today, said Hamas could end the war by releasing hostages and surrendering. "We have to be prepared for the possibility that’s not going to happen," he said.
Israel’s ground offensive in Gaza City began on September 16, with troops advancing block by block through the war-ravaged territory’s largest urban centre. Much of the city has already been reduced to rubble by weeks of bombardment, sending thousands fleeing in vehicles stacked with belongings, though hundreds of thousands remain trapped.
The military has offered no timeline for the campaign, saying only that its goal is to “destroy Hamas’ military infrastructure." Israeli media reports suggest the operation could last months.
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US says Israel didn't inform them of Qatar strike US President Donald Trump said this week that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu never informed him in advance about Israel’s airstrike in Qatar last week that targeted Hamas leaders. Speaking at the Oval Office, Trump rejected reports that he had prior knowledge. “No, no, they didn’t,” he told reporters when asked if Netanyahu had personally warned him. |
