Israel Expands Gaza Assault as UN Warns of ‘Genocide’

Photo: Collected

Israel launched a full-scale ground offensive in Gaza City on Tuesday, escalating its campaign against Hamas amid mounting global alarm. The UN condemned the assault as “carnage”, with an independent commission accusing Israel of committing “genocide” and citing explicit incitement from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials.

The Israeli military said it had significantly expanded its operation, deploying ground troops with airstrikes and intelligence support to target what it estimated to be 2,000–3,000 Hamas fighters in central Gaza City. About 40 percent of residents have already fled south.

Survivors described relentless bombardments, with families seeking shelter at hospitals and many unable to afford escape. Gaza’s civil defence said at least 44 people were killed on Tuesday, while vast parts of the city lie in ruins.

Hamas accused Israel of carrying out “systematic ethnic cleansing”, while US President Donald Trump claimed Hamas was using hostages as human shields.

The UN rights chief said evidence of genocide was “mounting”, warning that the assault must stop. The EU and Britain condemned the offensive, fearing it would worsen the humanitarian catastrophe and cost more civilian lives.

Despite criticism, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio voiced strong support for Israel during a visit, saying diplomacy remained preferable but acknowledging it may not be possible with Hamas.

France is preparing to lead a UN summit where several Western governments plan to recognise a Palestinian state, further raising international pressure on Israel.

According to official figures, the October 2023 Hamas attack killed 1,219 people in Israel, while Gaza’s health ministry says Israel’s retaliatory campaign has claimed at least 64,964 lives, mostly civilians.