Many Palestinians displaced as Israel begins ground invasion of Gaza

Netanyahu

Israel has begun its long-threatened major ground invasion of Gaza City, forcing thousands of Palestinians to flee for safety.

The offensive was launched on Tuesday just hours after Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister, held talks with Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state.

During a situational assessment in the strip, Eyal Zamir, chief of the general staff, said the operation was necessary to take out Hamas.

“The maneuver in Gaza City is a significant step to carry out our highest moral and important duty — to return all the hostages home and to dismantle the military and governing capabilities of the Hamas terrorist organization,” Zamir said.

When Hamas attacked Israel in October 2023, Netanyahu vowed to eliminate the Palestinian militant group.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said Tuesday’s offensive was aimed at achieving the war’s objectives and to “enhance the achievements made during combat”. Thecable