The Israeli military launched its ground offensive Monday to occupy Gaza City, which the Netanyahu government says is aimed at rooting out Hamas, Israeli officials said.

Why it matters: The operation is an escalation in the war that has been going on for almost two years and is expected to increase the death toll and exacerbate the humanitarian catastrophe in the enclave. • According to the Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry, almost 65,000 Palestinians — most of them women and children — have been killed since Israel's offensive began after Hamas' Oct. 7 attack.

Driving the news: Over the last week, the Israeli military increased its airstrikes in Gaza City and flattened dozens of high-rise buildings it claimed were used by Hamas for military purposes. • At the same time, the Isra

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