Israeli Forces Launch Major Ground Offensive in Gaza City as UN Declares Genocide

Israeli troops commenced a large-scale ground invasion of Gaza City on Tuesday, September 16, with Defense Minister Israel Katz declaring “Gaza is burning” as Palestinian health officials reported at least 78 deaths in the intensified bombardment.

UN Commission Condemns Israeli Actions as Genocide

The ground offensive coincided with a damning United Nations report concluding that Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza Strip. The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry specifically named Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and President Isaac Herzog as having incited genocidal acts through their public statements.

Navi Pillay, chair of the UN Commission of Inquiry and former International Criminal Court judge, stated: “Genocide is occurring in Gaza. The responsibility for these heinous crimes lies with Israeli authorities at the highest levels”.

Massive Displacement as Military Operations Intensify

The Israeli Defense Forces confirmed that three military divisions have launched “expanded ground operations” in Gaza City as part of Operation Gideon’s Chariots II. An estimated 60,000 Israeli reservists have been mobilized for the offensive targeting approximately 3,000 Hamas fighters believed to remain in the city.

Despite evacuation orders, over one million Palestinians remain in Gaza City and northern areas, refusing forced displacement southward. Health officials report that only 350,000 residents have fled, with many returning from overcrowded southern camps lacking basic services.

Civilian Casualties Mount

Gaza’s Hamas-run Health Ministry recorded 59 Palestinians killed in 24 hours, including three deaths from malnutrition. Shifa Hospital alone received 12 bodies overnight, including two children, with over 90 wounded admitted. The Palestinian Civil Defense described the bombardment as creating “a major massacre”.

Witnesses reported intensive airstrikes occurring every 10-15 minutes across residential neighborhoods, with Israeli forces deploying explosive-laden robots and demolishing high-rise buildings.

International Diplomatic Pressure Intensifies

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Qatar amid escalating tensions, warning of a “very short window of time” for negotiating Hamas’ surrender. “We don’t have months anymore, and we probably have days and maybe a few weeks,” Rubio stated.

European Union officials announced new sanctions against Israel would be agreed upon Wednesday, while Britain’s Foreign Secretary described the assault as “reckless and appalling”. The Palestinian Foreign Ministry called for “urgent international intervention” to protect Gaza City civilians.

Humanitarian Crisis Deepens

The offensive has displaced an additional 70,000 Palestinians in recent days, forcing families to trek southward using donkey carts and overloaded vehicles. One-third of malnutrition treatment facilities in Gaza City have shut down due to displacement orders.

Gaza’s Health Ministry reports 428 total deaths from malnutrition since the conflict began, with conditions in designated “safe zones” lacking hospitals, infrastructure, and basic services. The al-Mawasi area, where 800,000 Palestinians have been forced to relocate, has been bombed over 109 times.