The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) carried out intensive airstrikes in the Gaza enclave overnight, according to Palestinian media reports. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant’s counterpart, Israel Katz, declared that “Gaza is on fire” and stressed that Israel will not cease its efforts until Hamas is defeated.
The escalation follows last month’s approval by Israel’s security cabinet to seize Gaza City, one of the few areas not yet under IDF control. While a ground assault had been expected in October, the IDF has instead subjected the city to weeks of bombardment, prompting mass evacuations. Residents reported heavy strikes on Gaza City and its outskirts on Monday night, with some claiming that IDF tanks had entered the area. Katz posted 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.” The IDF has not confirmed the overnight assault.
These developments occur as U.S. 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. En route, Rubio told journalists that the Gaza City offensive had already begun and warned that only days remain to reach a settlement. Qatar, which has hosted several rounds of Israel‑Hamas negotiations and mediated ceasefires in 2023 and earlier this year, condemned Israel for “state terrorism” after last week’s strike but said it would continue its mediation role alongside Egypt and the United States.
The Israeli plan to occupy Gaza City has drawn international condemnation and sparked protests domestically. The IDF estimates that over 350,000 Palestinians have fled since the offensive was announced, out of roughly one million who lived there before. As the situation escalates, diplomatic efforts continue to revive ceasefire talks and seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
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