Israel has launched a new wave of heavy bombardments on Gaza City, following strong backing from visiting US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who warned that only “days” remain for a diplomatic breakthrough.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said Gaza’s main urban center was “on fire” as the military escalated strikes late Tuesday.
“The IDF is striking terrorist infrastructure with an iron fist, and IDF soldiers are fighting bravely to create the necessary conditions for the release of the hostages and the defeat of Hamas,” Katz declared.
“We will not relent and we will not back down until the mission is accomplished.”
While it remains unclear whether a full ground invasion has begun, witnesses described Gaza City as being under relentless bombardment.
Ahmed Ghazal, a 25-year-old resident, told AFP: “We can hear their screams.”
US Support for Israel’s Offensive
Rubio met Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem on Monday, expressing Washington’s support for Israel’s goal of eradicating Hamas.
“We think we have a very short window of time in which a deal can happen,” Rubio said before departing Israel. “We don’t have months anymore, and we probably have days and maybe a few weeks to go.”
He insisted that a diplomatic solution remains the US preference but added: “Sometimes when you’re dealing with a group of savages like Hamas, that’s not possible.”
The top US diplomat also met with families of hostages in Gaza, acknowledging Hamas’ leverage. “If there were no hostages and no civilians in the way, this war would have ended a year and a half ago,” he noted.
Hostage families, however, voiced fear over Netanyahu’s decision to escalate. “He is doing everything to ensure there is no deal and not to bring them back,” their statement read.
UN Probe Alleges Genocide
In a development likely to heighten tensions, a United Nations Independent Commission of Inquiry (COI) accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza.
Commission chief Navi Pillay told AFP: “Genocide is occurring in Gaza and is continuing to occur. The responsibility lies with the State of Israel.”
The report directly accused Netanyahu, President Isaac Herzog, and former defence minister Yoav Gallant of incitement.
Israel swiftly rejected the findings, calling them “distorted and false” and demanding the COI’s abolition.
Rising Death Toll
The Gaza civil defence agency reported that at least 17 people were killed on Tuesday alone, warning the figure would rise amid ongoing strikes in both Gaza City and Khan Yunis.
According to Gaza’s health ministry, which the UN deems reliable, Israel’s retaliatory campaign has killed more than 64,900 people, mostly civilians, since the October 2023 Hamas attack that left 1,219 Israelis dead.
Diplomatic Push Ahead of Statehood Debate
Rubio’s visit comes ahead of a planned UN summit led by France, where several Western nations are expected to push for recognition of a Palestinian state.
While Netanyahu warned of “unilateral steps” against the move, Rubio dismissed it as “largely symbolic.”
Before flying to Qatar, Rubio urged the Gulf state to intensify mediation efforts: “If there’s any country in the world that could help end this through negotiation, it’s Qatar.”
Israel Pounds Gaza as US Secretary of State Rubio Warns Time Running Out for Diplomacy
