The Israeli military has initiated a ground offensive aimed at occupying Gaza City, according to reports from various sources citing Israeli officials. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) commenced the operation on Monday, local time. This ground incursion follows several days of intense air strikes on Gaza.

On Tuesday, Palestinian residents reported heavy bombardments across Gaza City. Israel's defense minister stated that "Gaza is burning," highlighting the severity of the situation. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, while departing Israel for Qatar, indicated that the offensive had begun.

Overnight air strikes in Gaza City resulted in the deaths of at least 12 Palestinians, including two children, as reported by Shifa Hospital, which received the deceased. Dr. Rami Mhanna, managing director of Shifa Hospital, noted that more than 90 individuals were injured and brought to the facility within a six-hour period. He added that first responders indicated many casualties remained trapped under rubble in various locations, suggesting that the death toll could rise.

Last week, Israel conducted an air strike targeting Hamas leaders in Qatar, marking an escalation in military actions throughout the Middle East. Plans for a broader operation in Gaza were revealed last month when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that an assault to take control of the city would occur "fairly soon."

Israeli air strikes have intensified around the Gaza enclave, and following a recent displacement order issued by the IDF on September 9, the areas of the Gaza Strip that were not affected by such orders have dwindled to just over 10 percent.