Israel launched a heavy bombing campaign on Gaza City on Tuesday, following US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit, where he voiced strong support for Israel’s push to eradicate Hamas.
The UN Commission of Inquiry accused Israel of committing “genocide,” directly implicating Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other top officials.
Defence Minister Israel Katz declared that Gaza City was “on fire,” saying the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) were striking Hamas “with an iron fist.” Residents reported relentless bombardment, while questions remained over whether a full-scale ground offensive had begun.
Rubio, who met Netanyahu and hostage families, warned that only “days, maybe weeks” remain for a diplomatic solution. He acknowledged Hamas’s leverage through its hostages but stressed the US preference for a negotiated settlement.
Meanwhile, hostage families accused Netanyahu of prioritizing military escalation over securing the release of captives.
The UN probe, led by Navi Pillay, concluded that Israel’s actions and statements by senior officials show intent “to destroy Palestinians in Gaza as a group.” Israel rejected the findings as “distorted and false.”
The Gaza civil defence agency reported at least 17 deaths on Tuesday from strikes in Gaza City and Khan Yunis, though figures remain unverified due to restricted access.
Rubio’s visit comes days before a France-led UN summit, where several Western nations are expected to recognize Palestinian statehood, a move Netanyahu opposes and has threatened to counter with unilateral action.
What You Should Know
Israel has stepped up airstrikes on Gaza City after US backing from Secretary of State Marco Rubio. A UN inquiry accused Israel of “genocide,” while hostages’ families fear escalation will derail negotiations.
With over 64,000 Gazans killed since 2023, the conflict intensifies ahead of a major UN summit on Palestinian statehood.
