Israel says ‘Gaza is burning’ as it launches ground assault

DIVISIONS OVER THE ASSAULT

The assault went ahead despite warnings from European leaders threatening sanctions, and from some Israeli military commanders who feared it could endanger hostages or become a “death trap” for troops.

Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a late Sunday meeting to pursue a ceasefire deal, three Israeli officials told Reuters.

US President Donald Trump sided with Israel, warning Hamas would have “hell to pay” if it used hostages as human shields. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, visiting Jerusalem, said Washington still hoped for diplomacy but must “be prepared” if that failed.

In Brussels, the EU said it would move on Wednesday to impose new sanctions on Israel, including suspending some trade provisions.

MASS DISPLACEMENT AND HUNGER

The IDF estimated 40 per cent of Gaza City’s residents had fled. Hamas said 350,000 people had left eastern districts, with another 175,000 heading south.

Much of Gaza City was destroyed early in the war, but around 1 million people had since returned. The latest evacuation orders risk confining most of Gaza’s population to overcrowded coastal encampments short of food, medicine and shelter.

Three more people died of malnutrition in the past 24 hours, Gaza’s health ministry said, bringing reported hunger deaths to at least 428. Israel disputes those figures, saying the extent of hunger has been exaggerated.

The war began with Hamas’ Oct 7, 2023 attack that killed about 1,200 people and saw 251 taken hostage, Israeli figures show. More than 64,000 Palestinians have since been killed in Israel’s military response, according to Gaza’s health ministry.