Israel’s Defence Minister has declared “Gaza is burning” as Israeli forces stepped up their bombardment of Gaza City overnight, in what may signal the start of a full-scale ground offensive on the densely populated urban centre.

Local journalists on the ground have reported relentless Israeli air strikes, artillery shelling, and gunfire throughout Gaza City, fuelling speculation that a new phase of the war may be underway.

Unconfirmed reports by the Jerusalem Post and US outlet Axios suggest that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have begun a ground operation aimed at seizing full control of the city. 

However, there has been no official confirmation from the Israeli military regarding a fresh incursion.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has labelled Gaza City as Hamas’s final major stronghold and pledged to bring it under Israeli control, despite mounting international criticism over the scale and conduct of the offensive.

The escalation followed a visit to Jerusalem by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who reaffirmed Washington’s “unwavering” support for Israel in its ongoing campaign.

Source: BBC

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