The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have conducted intensive airstrikes in the Gaza enclave overnight, according to Palestinian media reports. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant’s counterpart, Israel Katz, stated that “Gaza is on fire” and emphasized that the Jewish state will not cease its efforts until Hamas is defeated.

The recent escalation follows last month’s approval by Israel’s security cabinet to seize Gaza City, which is one of the few areas not currently under IDF control. This move could potentially lead to a full takeover of the city. Although a ground assault was anticipated in October, the IDF has instead been pounding the city with weeks of bombardment, resulting in mass evacuations. Residents reported intense strikes on Gaza City and its outskirts on Monday night, with some claiming that IDF tanks have entered the area.

Israeli Defense Minister Katz wrote on social media, “The IDF is striking with an iron fist at the terrorist infrastructure, and Israeli soldiers are fighting bravely to create the conditions for the release of the hostages and the defeat of Hamas. We will not relent and we will not back down – until the completion of the mission.” However, the IDF has not confirmed the overnight assault.

The developments come as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio prepares to travel to Qatar to revive ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas. The talks had stalled after an Israeli strike in Doha last week killed five members of the militant group and a local security official. Speaking to journalists en route, Rubio suggested that the Gaza City offensive had already begun and warned that only days remain to reach a settlement.

Qatar has hosted several rounds of Israel-Hamas talks, mediating ceasefires in 2023 and earlier this year. The country condemned Israel for “state terrorism” after last week’s strike but stated that it would not abandon its mediation role with Egypt and the US.

The Israeli plan to occupy Gaza City has drawn international condemnation and sparked protests at home. The IDF estimates that over 350,000 Palestinians have fled since the offensive was announced, out of roughly 1 million who lived there before. As the situation continues to escalate, diplomatic efforts are underway to revive ceasefire talks and find a peaceful resolution to the conflict.