By Atoyebi Nike
Israel has launched a full-scale ground assault on Gaza City, its largest urban centre, as the war against Hamas entered what officials described as its “main phase.”
The offensive began before dawn on Tuesday, shortly after visiting US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated Washington’s support for Israel’s goal of eliminating Hamas.
“Last night, we transitioned into the next phase… forces have expanded ground activity into Hamas’s main stronghold in Gaza, which is Gaza City,” a senior Israeli military official told reporters, estimating that 2,000 to 3,000 Hamas fighters were still operating in the area. Defence Minister Israel Katz declared the city “on fire,” saying the military was striking “terrorist infrastructure with an iron fist.”
Gaza’s civil defence agency reported at least 36 people killed in Tuesday’s bombardments, though figures could not be independently verified due to media restrictions. The Israeli military said about 40 per cent of residents had already fled southward.
The United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry (COI) issued a damning report accusing Israel of committing “genocide” in Gaza and naming Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Isaac Herzog, and former defence minister Yoav Gallant as leaders who had incited it. Israel dismissed the findings as “distorted and false,” demanding the panel’s abolition.
UN human rights chief Volker Turk called for an end to the “carnage,” warning that evidence of mass atrocities was mounting. The European Union said the assault risked worsening a “catastrophic” humanitarian crisis, while Britain warned it would cause “more bloodshed” and endanger hostages still held by Hamas.
Despite global criticism, Rubio stood firmly with Israel, though he noted a diplomatic path remained preferable. “Sometimes when you’re dealing with a group of savages like Hamas, that’s not possible, but we hope it can happen,” he said before departing for Qatar, where he urged continued mediation efforts.
