Israel has launched its largest ground assault in Gaza since the start of the conflict, declaring that “Gaza is burning” as troops push deeper into the territory. The offensive, supported by heavy artillery and airstrikes, marks a dramatic escalation in Israel’s campaign against Hamas, which it accuses of embedding fighters and weapons in civilian areas. Witnesses reported intense bombardments overnight, with neighborhoods reduced to rubble and communication networks disrupted, making it difficult to assess the full scale of destruction. The Israeli military said its forces are targeting command centers, tunnels, and rocket launch sites, vowing to dismantle Hamas’s military capabilities. Hamas, in turn, has continued to fire rockets into Israel, though the country’s Iron Dome defense system has intercepted many. The humanitarian situation in Gaza has deteriorated sharply, with hospitals overwhelmed, shortages of medicine and fuel, and thousands of civilians fleeing south in search of safety. Aid groups warn of a looming catastrophe if fighting intensifies further, citing limited access to food, water, and shelter. Israel insists it is giving civilians warnings to evacuate, but many residents say they have nowhere safe to go in the densely populated enclave. The international community has voiced growing alarm over the scale of violence, with the United Nations and several countries calling for restraint and renewed diplomatic efforts to prevent further loss of life. However, Israeli leaders maintain that a decisive ground operation is necessary to neutralize Hamas and prevent future attacks. As tanks, troops, and drones advance, fears mount that the conflict could expand, drawing in regional actors and sparking wider instability in the Middle East. For now, Gaza remains under relentless assault, and the prospect of a ceasefire appears increasingly remote as both sides prepare for what could become a prolonged and devastating battle.
Israel Intensifies Ground Offensive in Gaza Amid Fierce Fighting
