Israel launches new ground offensive into Gaza City as residents flee in droves

Israel has launched a new ground offensive against Gaza City and warned residents to leave and head south.

The IDF said ground offensives began on Tuesday, with troops hoping to tighten control of the largest cities in the Palestinian territory.

Gaza City push is a direct continuation of Operation Gideon, a week-long campaign in southern and central Gaza Israel Said the removal of Hamas’ post and the road toward the north for the troops. IDF said that under “expanded ground operations,” multiple departments began to move forward with the goal of tearing down Hamas infrastructure, solidifying early gains and exploring it deep into the city.

Israel warns of imminent attacks on Gaza City, urging residents to flee

The latest attack comes a week after the Israeli Air Force implemented more than 850 targets in the city of Gaza, killing what it calls the targets of hundreds of Hamas fighters and destroying infrastructure designed to invade the ground. It said the strike was to reduce Hamas’ defense and prepare for advance troops.

Under anonymity under military guidelines, Israeli military officials told the Associated Press that about 2,000 to 3,000 Hamas militants remained in Gaza, as well as a network of tunnels.

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Palestinian residents undertook a heavy strike in Gaza City Tuesday morning. At noon, Shifa Hospital accepted the bodies of 34 people killed during the strike, Dr. Rami Mhanna, a hospital official, told the Associated Press. Dozens of injuries also arrived at the facility.

“I had a very difficult night in Gaza,” Shifa director Dr. Mohamed Abu Selmiyah told the Associated Press. “The bombing didn’t stop for a moment.”

Avicay Adraee, an Arabic spokesman for the Israeli military, warned residents that the city of Gaza is now a “dangerous battle zone.”

“For safety reasons, please evacuate the published safety zone as soon as possible, by car or by foot, through the Al-Rashid corridor south of Wadigasa,” Adraee said. “40% of residents joining the city, who have evacuated to protect their own safety and the safety of their loved ones.”

The IDF estimated 350,000 people fled Gaza – about one-third of the city’s population before the ground offensive began. That figure contradicts the UN estimate released on Monday that more than 220,000 Palestinians fled Northern Gaza in the past month ahead of Israel’s warning.

On Tuesday, long traffic stretched to the coastal roads in Gaza, with vehicles piled high with mattresses and items while others fled on foot.

IDF said several of its front-line departments have been mobilized to a new stage.

“In the past day, in mandatory and reserves, the IDF units of the 98th, 162nd and 36th departments have begun to expand. Ground operation The military said in Gaza, as part of Gideon’s Operation Chariot II. ” said the military.

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“The Gaza branch operates in safe areas along the border facing the Sinegav community, operating in Rafa and Khan Yunis areas, while the 99th Division operates in the Northern Gaza Strip.”

Meanwhile, the State Department said Secretary of State Marco Rubio met in Doha with Catari Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman al Thani.

Rubio reiterated U.S. relations with Qatar and thanked Doha for his efforts to end the Gaza war and bring all hostages home. Rubio also reiterated U.S. support for Qatar’s security and sovereignty.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.