Israel has heavily bombed Gaza City overnight, with unconfirmed reports from Axios and the Jerusalem Post suggesting the military has launched its ground offensive to occupy the entire city.
Israeli strikes are also reported in central Gaza, in the direction where thousands of people are fleeing. Palestinian officials report rising numbers of deaths and injuries as the bombardment continues.
The intensification of strikes comes ahead of a long-threatened full-scale invasion of Gaza City, home to hundreds of thousands. The military action followed a visit from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who reiterated unwavering US support for Israel during his trip to Jerusalem.
On Tuesday morning, Israel's defense minister, Israel Katz, declared that Gaza is burning, indicating that the Israeli military would not cease operations until their mission was accomplished.
Local journalists in Gaza report nearly constant airstrikes and artillery fire, with homes being destroyed, trapping people under rubble. While Israel has urged residents to evacuate south, many remain, facing perilous conditions and airstrikes in those areas as well.
Rubio's diplomatic efforts will lead him to Qatar next, a nation criticized for its connection to Hamas. Amidst this backdrop, families of hostages in Israel protest against the military strategy, concerned for their loved ones' safety. The UN warns that the ongoing violence could worsen an already catastrophic humanitarian situation.
As the war continues, global response is critical, with the US and allied nations seeking a path to negotiation even as hostilities escalate.
