Israel Unleashes Massive Bombing Campaign on Gaza City After US Backing

Strategic Insights -

As US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited Israel, a massive new bombing campaign was launched on Gaza City, with Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz saying the territory's main urban hub was "on fire." Rubio backed the Israeli goal of eradicating Hamas, warning that only days may be left for a diplomatic solution. The campaign comes as the US and other Western countries plan to recognize a Palestinian state, prompting opposition from the Israeli government.

Key Takeaways:

  • Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz announced that the IDF is striking terrorist infrastructure with an iron fist, with the goal of defeating Hamas and releasing hostages.
  • US Secretary of State Marco Rubio backed Israel's goal of eradicating Hamas, warning that only days may be left for a diplomatic solution.
  • The bombing campaign in Gaza City is ongoing, with at least 17 people killed and a rising number of deaths and injuries reported by the Gaza civil defence agency.
  • Rubio's visit to Israel comes as the US and other Western countries plan to recognize a Palestinian state, despite opposition from the Israeli government.
  • The campaign has been met with criticism from European powers, which have urged Israel to halt the new Gaza campaign and worsen the humanitarian crisis in the territory.
  • Rubio called statehood recognition "largely symbolic," while Netanyahu warned that his country may take unspecified "unilateral steps" in response.
  • The bombing campaign has also targeted the southern city of Khan Yunis, with heavy bombing ongoing in Gaza City.

Statistics:

  • At least 17 people have been killed in the ongoing bombing campaign in Gaza City.
  • The number of deaths and injuries continues to rise, according to the Gaza civil defence agency.
  • A million people in the Gaza Strip are facing famine, according to the UN.
  • The bombing campaign has been ongoing for nearly two years, with the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks sparking the current crisis.
  • The US plans to recognize a Palestinian state in a UN summit next week, despite opposition from the Israeli government.
  • The Israeli military has been carrying out air strikes in the Gulf country of Qatar, despite Qatar's efforts to mediate a truce proposal.

Sources:

  • AFP
  • Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz
  • US Secretary of State Marco Rubio
  • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
  • Gazan civil defence agency
  • UN determination
  • European powers (unspecified sources)