Israel launches Gaza City ground assault amid genocide claims by UN and rising global condemnation, pushing deeper into Hamas’s stronghold
Israel launches Gaza City ground assault in what the military describes as the “main phase” of its operation to eliminate Hamas, prompting global outrage and mounting accusations of genocide.
Also read: Paris Peace Talks Bring Hope as Syria, Israel Address Sweida Conflict
The ground offensive began before dawn on Tuesday following heavy overnight bombardment, as Israeli forces moved deeper into the urban centre of Gaza City.
A senior Israeli official told reporters the army was advancing “towards the centre” of what it calls Hamas’s main stronghold, estimating 2,000 to 3,000 militants remain in the area.
The operation follows a visit by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who publicly endorsed Israel’s objective to dismantle Hamas, saying:
“Sometimes when you’re dealing with a group of savages like Hamas, negotiation isn’t possible.”
Meanwhile, the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, pointing directly to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other senior officials.
The report cited patterns of conduct and incendiary rhetoric as proof of genocidal intent.
“Genocide is occurring in Gaza and is continuing to occur,” said Navi Pillay, head of the commission.
The accusations were met with fury by Israeli officials, who called for the immediate dissolution of the Commission. A government statement dismissed the report as “distorted and false”.
Despite these denials, UN rights chief Volker Türk remarked:
“It’s for the court to decide whether it’s genocide or not, but we see the evidence mounting.”
Gaza’s civil defence agency reported at least 36 deaths on Tuesday alone, mostly from areas already devastated by earlier strikes.
While media access remains limited, the agency described scenes of horrific destruction and civilian deaths.
“Why kill children sleeping safely like that, turning them into body parts?” asked Abu Abd Zaquout, a witness in northern Gaza City.
According to Gaza’s health ministry, over 64,900 people have died in the territory since the war began — a figure the United Nations deems credible.
Most of the victims are said to be civilians. In contrast, the Hamas-led attack in October 2023 claimed 1,219 lives in Israel.
The European Union and the United Kingdom both condemned the ground offensive, warning it would worsen Gaza’s “catastrophic” humanitarian situation.
Britain said the move would only lead to “more bloodshed” and further endanger hostages still held by Hamas.
In contrast, Rubio reaffirmed America’s support, calling the offensive “necessary” to achieve peace and stability, though he expressed hope for a diplomatic resolution through Qatar’s mediation efforts.
The renewed violence comes days before a UN summit led by France, where several Western nations are expected to formally recognise a Palestinian state.
Netanyahu has warned of potential “unilateral steps” in response, further escalating diplomatic tensions.
Still, Rubio dismissed the symbolic nature of such moves:
“Statehood recognition is largely symbolic and doesn’t change realities on the ground.”
Also read: Iran Denies Meddling in Gaza Ceasefire Talks After Trump’s Claim
As the war intensifies and international criticism grows, Israel launches Gaza City ground assault into the heart of a conflict that shows no signs of de-escalation — with civilian lives, global diplomacy, and war crimes accusations all colliding in a brutal theatre of war.
