Axios: Israel Launches Ground Offensive in Gaza

Israeli military forces have launched a ground offensive operation to fully capture the city of Gaza, free hostages, and eliminate the radical Islamist militant group Hamas.

Axios reported on this, citing sources within the Israeli government.

In recent days, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have gradually intensified airstrikes on Gaza and its outskirts, but have not yet deployed ground troops into the densely populated city.

Before the offensive began, the Israeli military urged Palestinians to evacuate Gaza and move south to the Al-Mawasi humanitarian zone in the south. They were instructed to use the coastal road Al-Rashid for this purpose.

However, the appeal had limited success, as many fear for their safety in other areas of the Gaza Strip. According to the IDF, around 300,000 residents have left Gaza City so far.

On Monday, the Israeli Air Force launched massive airstrikes on the city, after which tanks entered the settlement.

The offensive started a few hours after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and senior members of his cabinet.