Israel Defence Minister Declares Gaza Burning After Intense Overnight Strikes

Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz declared that "Gaza is burning" on Tuesday, following a night of heavy airstrikes across Gaza City. The provocative statement underscores the escalating military operations in the region, where Israeli forces have targeted what they describe as Hamas infrastructure. Katz's remarks were made amid reports of a planned new offensive in Gaza City, signaling a potential intensification of the ongoing conflict that has gripped the area for nearly two years.

The strikes, which occurred overnight into Tuesday, involved dozens of airstrikes that lit up the skies over Gaza City, according to eyewitness accounts and local media. Israeli military officials stated that the operations aimed to dismantle militant networks and prevent attacks, though details on specific targets remain limited. This surge in activity follows a pattern of intermittent escalations, with Israel citing security threats from Gaza-based groups as justification for the actions.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, departing Israel for diplomatic talks in Qatar, indicated that the offensive may have already commenced. Speaking to journalists, Rubio emphasized the urgency of reaching a ceasefire deal, warning, "The Israelis have begun to take operations there. So we think we have a very short window of time in which a deal can happen. We don't have months anymore, and we probably have days and maybe a few weeks." His comments highlight the fragile state of negotiations, mediated by the US and regional allies, to de-escalate the violence and address humanitarian concerns.

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The broader Israel-Hamas conflict, which erupted in October 2023 with a surprise attack by Hamas militants, has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths, widespread destruction in Gaza, and a deepening humanitarian crisis. International calls for restraint have intensified, with aid organizations reporting severe shortages of essentials amid restricted access. As the strikes continue, fears mount over further civilian casualties and the prospects for peace in the volatile region.

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