Israel confirms launch of major ground offensive in Gaza City

The Israeli military confirmed on Tuesday the launch of its long-awaited ground offensive in Gaza City.

Following orders from political leadership, Israeli troops have "expanded the ground operation into the Hamas stronghold, Gaza City," a spokesman told journalists.

He called it a "gradual manoeuvre" involving both air and ground forces that is aimed at rooting out Hamas fighters hiding in the extensive tunnel network that lies under the Gaza Strip's largest city.

Israel estimates that up to 3,000 combat-ready members of the Islamist militant group are present in Gaza City.

The military said it will do everything possible to ensure the safety of the remaining hostages being held in the Gaza Strip and civilians in the city.

In recent weeks, residents have been called on by Israel to move to so-called "humanitarian zones" in the southern part of the coastal strip.

According to Israeli military information, around 40% of the civilians residing in Gaza City — or more than 350,000 people — have already left.

In addition to the operational plan, there is also a plan for the humanitarian support of civilians, the spokesman said.

International aid organizations have repeatedly warned of a worsening humanitarian crisis in the war-torn Palestinian territory, which is home to around 2 million people.

The Gaza war was triggered by the Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, in which about 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 abducted. Israel says 48 hostages remain in Gaza, 20 of them believed to be alive.

The Hamas-run health authority in Gaza says more than 64,800 Palestinians have been killed since the war began. The tally does not distinguish between civilians and fighters, but the figures are regarded as broadly credible by the United Nations.