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The IDF has repeatedly directed Gazans to move south to "humanitarian areas." Officials said around 300,000 Palestinians have fled Gaza City in recent weeks, but hundreds of thousands are still trapped in war-torn areas.
Israeli air strikes hit the evacuated residential tower in Gaza City.(File Photo: Reuters)
New Delhi,UPDATED: Sep 16, 2025 07:24 IST
Israeli forces reportedly launched its ground offensive to occupy Gaza City on Monday, which the Netanyahu government says is aimed at rooting out Hamas. According to Axios, tanks entered Gaza City after hours of heavy airstrikes that flattened residential towers and damaged civilian shelters.
The IDF has repeatedly directed Gazans to move south to "humanitarian areas." Officials said around 300,000 Palestinians have fled Gaza City in recent weeks, but hundreds of thousands are still trapped in war-torn areas.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not ruled out further strikes on Hamas leaders following last week's attack in Qatar, saying they would not have immunity "wherever they are".
However, Israel’s top security chiefs reportedly advised him against entering Gaza City, warning it could endanger hostages, risk high Israeli casualties, and force military rule.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who met Netanyahu in Jerusalem today, said Hamas could end the war by releasing hostages and surrendering. "We have to be prepared for the possibility that’s not going to happen," he said.
DON’T LET THIS HAPPEN, TRUMP WARNS HAMAS
At the Oval Office, President Donald Trump reacted to reports claiming Hamas had moved 20 hostages above ground to use them as human shields against Israel’s ground offensive.
"I hope the Leaders of Hamas know what they’re getting into if they do such a thing. This is a human atrocity, the likes of which few people have ever seen before. Don’t let this happen or, ALL “BETS” ARE OFF. RELEASE ALL HOSTAGES NOW!," Trump said.
Netanyahu thanked Trump for his “unflinching support for Israel’s battle against Hamas and the release of all our hostages.”
The Gaza Health Ministry, controlled by Hamas, said almost 65,000 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict began after Hamas’ October 7 attack.
Some rights groups like Amnesty have also accused Israel of committing genocide, but not the United Nations itself. UN officials have in the past said it is up to international courts to determine genocide.
Israel rejects the accusation, citing its right to self-defence following the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas militants that killed 1,200 people and resulted in the capture of 251 hostages, according to Israeli figures.
- Ends
With inputs from agencies
Published By:
Satyam Singh
Published On:
Sep 16, 2025
