Israeli airstrikes and ground operations intensified in Gaza City on Tuesday, with officials declaring that the military campaign against Hamas has escalated. Israel's Defense Minister stated, "Gaza is burning," as the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) commenced the main phase of their ground offensive. An anonymous military official confirmed that troops are advancing from the outskirts toward the city center, targeting Hamas infrastructure.

Reports from Shifa Hospital indicate that at least 34 Palestinians were killed in the overnight strikes, with many more injured. "It was a heavy night," said Radwan Hayder, a resident seeking shelter near the hospital. The ongoing bombardment has led to significant destruction, with buildings collapsing and residents fleeing the area.

In response to the military actions, tens of thousands of Palestinians attempted to evacuate northern Gaza. Long lines of vehicles filled with belongings crawled along the coastal road, while many others walked southward. The United Nations estimates that around 220,000 Palestinians have already fled northern Gaza, with more than 70,000 leaving in recent days.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who recently visited Israel, acknowledged the start of the ground operations and emphasized the urgency for a resolution to the conflict. He stated, "We think we have a very short window of time in which a deal can happen," highlighting the need for the release of hostages and the disarmament of Hamas.

Meanwhile, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi labeled Israel as "an enemy" during a speech at a summit in Qatar, marking a significant shift in rhetoric since the two countries established diplomatic relations in 1979. His comments were widely reported in Egyptian media, reflecting the seriousness with which Cairo views Israel's actions.

In a related development, a team of independent experts from the United Nations Human Rights Council accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. The report calls for international action against those responsible. Israel has dismissed the findings as "distorted and false."

As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, the Israeli military has warned residents to evacuate southward. However, many have reported being unable to leave due to overcrowding and high transportation costs. The humanitarian crisis in the region is exacerbated by the ongoing conflict, with reports of famine conditions affecting the population.

The Israeli government maintains that the offensive is necessary to dismantle Hamas, which it views as a significant threat following the group's surprise attack on Israel in October 2023. The conflict has resulted in a staggering death toll, with Gaza's health ministry reporting over 64,000 Palestinian fatalities since the military operations began.