In pics—Gaza under fire: Israeli strikes intensify as new ground offensive unfolds

Gaza City endured one of its heaviest nights of airstrikes as Israeli warplanes pounded residential blocks. Entire towers crumbled, sending families fleeing into the streets in the middle of the night. Survivors described the city as “burning,” with fire and smoke clouding the skyline.

At least 34 Palestinians were killed overnight, according to Shifa Hospital. Doctors say casualties continue to arrive, many pulled from under the rubble. Hospitals already stretched thin are now overwhelmed with the wounded.

Long lines of cars jammed the coastal road as families tried to flee northern Gaza. Mattresses, clothes, and household items were tied onto vehicles and donkey carts. The UN estimates more than 220,000 people have fled the area since the operation began.

Qatar condemned Israel after an airstrike in Doha killed six people, including Hamas leaders. Officials accused Prime Minister Netanyahu of “bombing mediators” and sabotaging peace efforts. Qatar insists its role as a negotiator cannot be silenced through attacks.

Israel’s military warned it would strike Houthi rebels in Yemen’s Hodeida port city. Residents were told to evacuate immediately as drones and missiles continued to target Israel. The Houthis have been active in the Red Sea, disrupting global shipping routes.

The European Union called on Israel to halt its offensive, citing a humanitarian catastrophe. EU leaders are weighing sanctions and partial suspension of trade agreements with Israel. Britain’s foreign secretary described the Gaza assault as “utterly reckless and appalling.”

In Geneva, the UN Human Rights Council condemned the Israeli strike in Qatar. Qatar’s representatives said targeting a mediator undermines the principle of negotiations. Israel boycotted the session, calling it a platform for “anti-Israel propaganda.”

Egypt’s President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi publicly referred to Israel as an “enemy.” It marked the first such statement since Egypt and Israel signed a peace treaty in 1979. Analysts say Cairo’s sharp rhetoric signals growing frustration with Israeli actions.

UN-appointed experts accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza in a damning report. The findings allege mass civilian killings, displacement, and destruction of essential infrastructure. Israel rejected the claims as “false and distorted,” but rights groups say evidence is mounting.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is racing between Israel and Qatar. He urged urgent talks to secure a ceasefire, release hostages, and disarm Hamas. Rubio warned, “Time is running out,” with only days left for a negotiated settlement.