Post by : Naveen Mittal

Photo: X / unumihaimedia

Israel escalates Gaza strikes as defence minister says 'Gaza is burning'

Heavy bombardment, reports of ground incursion, and growing civilian suffering mark one of the deadliest phases of the war.

Overnight bombardment shakes Gaza

Gaza City was hit by one of the heaviest bombardments in recent weeks as Israeli warplanes and artillery struck overnight. Local reporters said the city experienced “almost constant” attacks with missiles, artillery, and gunfire. Entire homes were flattened, trapping families beneath the rubble.

While Israeli officials have not formally confirmed the start of a new ground offensive, reports suggest troops may have entered parts of Gaza City with the aim of seizing full control.

The strikes were not limited to Gaza City. Central Gaza, where many displaced families had tried to seek safety, was also bombed. Witnesses said explosions echoed through the night, leaving behind death and destruction.

'Gaza is burning' – Defence minister

Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz wrote online early Tuesday that “Gaza is burning.” He vowed that Israel would not stop until its mission was “completed.”

His comments came after weeks of warnings about a full-scale ground invasion. Now, signs point toward the beginning of that phase, bringing even greater risks for the hundreds of thousands of civilians still trapped inside the city.

People forced to flee – but nowhere safe

The Israeli military has ordered Gaza City’s residents to leave and move south to a central part of the Strip. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) say about 250,000 people have already fled. But many more remain, either because they cannot afford the journey or because they believe nowhere is safe.

One resident explained: “They tell us to go south, but there are bombings there too. Drivers ask for hundreds of shekels to take us. We don’t even have money for food, so how can we leave?”

Families who tried to move south often returned because they could not set up tents or find shelter. With bombings in every direction, people say they are simply trapped.

US-Israel partnership on display

The intensification of strikes came just hours after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Jerusalem to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Rubio assured Israel of America’s “unwavering” support.

Speaking at a press conference, Netanyahu praised the US as Israel’s strongest ally, while Rubio repeated that Hamas “must cease to exist as an armed group.” Both men tried to show unity even as international anger grew over Israel’s recent attack on Qatar.

From Jerusalem, Rubio traveled to Qatar, where Arab leaders had gathered to condemn Israel. On the tarmac before leaving, he acknowledged the criticism but said Qatar remained an essential mediator and stressed that there was a “very short window” for a negotiated deal.

Anger in Qatar and Arab world

Arab and Islamic leaders meeting in Doha earlier this week strongly denounced Israel’s strike in Qatar that targeted Hamas leaders but failed to kill them. Qatar described the attack as a “cowardly violation” of its sovereignty.

Qatar has hosted Hamas’ political leadership since 2012 and is a key player in ongoing mediation efforts. It also hosts a major US airbase, making it central to both diplomacy and military strategy in the region.

Hostage families protest in Israel

Inside Israel, families of hostages taken during the October 2023 Hamas-led attack camped outside Netanyahu’s home. They fear the government’s aggressive military strategy is putting their loved ones at greater risk.

It is believed that 48 hostages remain in Gaza, with around 20 still alive. Relatives are demanding more focus on negotiations rather than bombings.

Heavy civilian toll in Gaza

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen. The local health ministry reports that more than 64,500 Palestinians have been killed since the start of the war in October 2023, nearly half of them women and children.

The United Nations has already declared a famine in northern Gaza, with aid agencies warning that more bombing will deepen the catastrophe. Families are running out of food, water, and medical supplies. Disease is spreading in crowded shelters.

The UN has called for an immediate halt to the offensive to prevent what it describes as “an even deeper catastrophe.”

Background of the war

Israel’s campaign in Gaza began after the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. About 1,200 people were killed that day, and 251 others were taken hostage. The attack shocked Israel and triggered the current war.

Since then, Israel has carried out relentless airstrikes, artillery fire, and ground operations. Cities and refugee camps across Gaza have been reduced to rubble.

International criticism grows

Global pressure on Israel is increasing, especially after its strike on Qatar. Many countries accuse Israel of breaking international law by targeting civilian areas and carrying out attacks beyond its borders.

Several US allies, including the UK, France, Canada, Australia, and Belgium, are expected to formally recognise the State of Palestine at the upcoming UN General Assembly. Such a move would be a major political challenge for Israel.

At the same time, some Israeli leaders openly push for the annexation of the West Bank, making hopes for a two-state solution seem more distant than ever.

Conclusion

With Gaza City under heavy bombardment, a possible new ground offensive, and famine already declared, the suffering of civilians is reaching unbearable levels. Israel’s defence minister says “Gaza is burning,” while the US continues to offer strong support.

But the humanitarian cost is staggering. As bombs fall, families are left with no safe place to go, no food to eat, and no clear path toward peace.