The extensive attack on the city of Gaza by the Israeli army is underway, with Defense Minister Israel Katz declaring that Gaza is burning , while witnesses described the heaviest bombardment of the last two years of war.
An Israeli military official said the main phase of the ground invasion has begun, with troops moving deeper into the city center.
The military estimates that about 3,000 Hamas fighters remain there and warned that the number of Israeli soldiers involved will increase in the coming days.
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, at least 40 people were killed within the first hours of the operation.
⭕️ IDF troops have begun expanding ground operations in Gaza City as part of Operation Gideon's Chariots II
In the past day, IDF activity in Gaza City has begun according to the operational plan, and is expected to expand in line with the current situational assessment.
Its aim…
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) September 16, 2025
Video obtained by Reuters shows residents searching through the rubble of two high-rise buildings that collapsed overnight.
A woman was mourning as the body of a child was recovered.
We don't know how to get her out. We've been trying since 3 a.m., said Abu Mohamed Hamed, a relative of the victims.
The attack triggered a mass exodus to the south and west coast of the Strip, with thousands of Palestinians leaving the city on donkeys, carts, vehicles or on foot.
They are destroying apartment towers, mosques, schools and roads. They are erasing our memories, said 70-year-old Abu Tamer, who was trying to escape with his family. Other residents chose to stay, believing that it is like escaping from death to death.
US supports, reactions in Europe
Washington expressed support. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, alongside Prime Minister Netanyahu, stressed that while a diplomatic solution is preferred, we must be prepared for the possibility that this may not happen.
On the contrary, in Europe reactions are increasing: the Commission announced that it will agree on new sanctions against Israel tomorrow, while British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper characterized the attack as reckless and horrific and called for an immediate ceasefire.
Meanwhile, the UN Commission of Inquiry concluded that Israel committed genocide in Gaza, instigated by top officials, including Netanyahu. Israel rejected the finding as scandalous and false .
In the Tel al-Hawa neighborhood, witnesses spoke of air, sea and land strikes, and even the use of robots with explosives that caused huge explosions.
According to estimates, 350,000 people have already fled the city, with almost twice as many remaining.
The UN and humanitarian organizations speak of mass forced displacement without adequate food, medical care or sanitation.
The Ministry of Health announced three more deaths from starvation in the last 24 hours, bringing the total to 428 in two months.
Concerns are also being expressed within Israel. Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir reportedly warned in a meeting with Netanyahu that the operation could trap troops or endanger hostages.
The families of the kidnapped gathered outside the prime minister's house, complaining that their loved ones are being bombed while remaining in the hands of Hamas.
