IDF: Israel begins ground offensive in Gaza City

The Israel Defense Forces said Tuesday that they have begun a ground offensive in Gaza City.

The military started its maneuvers to occupy the city overnight, which included two divisions, with a third expected to join, ABC News reported.

"IDF troops have begun expanding ground operations in Gaza City as part of Operation Gideon’s Chariots II," the IDF posted on X on Tuesday. "In the past day, IDF activity in Gaza City has began according to the operational plan, and is expected to expand in line with the current situational assessment. Its aim is to achieve the war’s objectives in Gaza and to enhance the achievements made during combat."

The IDF's next phase of its operations in the city follows the ground operation that began early this month, which is the largest in the Gaza Strip, military officials said at the time.

Last week, Israeli officials issued an order calling for all residents of the city to evacuate, saying that the IDF would operate "with great force" within Gaza City.

"Staying in the city is extremely dangerous," IDF spokesperson Avichay Adraee said at the time.

It is unclear how many people remained in the city on Tuesday. A church official at the Holy Family Church in Gaza City said they were still sheltering inside, with no intention of leaving.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Israel on Sunday and Monday, and met privately with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Rubio said after a joint news conference on Tuesday that the U.S. supported Israel's goal of destroying Hamas.

Hamas on Tuesday accused Netanyahu and Israel of destroying "every chance" of reaching an agreement to end the war and return the remaining hostages. The terrorist organization said the U.S. knew "full well" that Israel was doing so.

However, Rubio said as he was leaving Tel Aviv that the U.S. was still pushing for a "negotiated" end to the war in Gaza.

"We think we have a very short window of time in which a deal can happen," Rubio said. "We don't have months anymore; we probably have days, maybe a few weeks. So, it's a key moment, an important moment."