The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has initiated a large-scale ground offensive in Gaza City, targeting Hamas infrastructure, as thousands of Palestinians evacuate under intense airstrikes that local medics say killed at least 39 people.

The operation, dubbed "Gideon’s Chariots B," began with heavy overnight bombings, with the IDF deploying two divisions—162nd and 98th—while planning to involve the 36th Division soon. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed the push, with Katz stating, "Gaza [City] is burning," and vowing to defeat Hamas.

The IDF urged civilians to flee to a humanitarian zone in southern Gaza, warning that the city is a "dangerous combat zone." Estimates suggest 370,000 residents have left, though the UN reported 220,000 displaced from northern Gaza over the past month.

Local hospitals, including Shifa, reported 39 deaths by mid-morning, with director Dr. Mohamed Abu Salmiya describing relentless bombing and bodies trapped under rubble. The figures, tied to Hamas-run health services, could not be independently verified and do not distinguish between civilians and fighters. Witnesses described widespread destruction, with families fleeing along coastal roads.

The IDF employed explosive-laden, remote-controlled M113 armored personnel carriers to target Hamas sites in neighborhoods like Tel al-Hawa and Rimal, minimizing troop risk. The military estimates thousands of Hamas fighters remain in the city alongside 600,000 civilians, with some hostages believed held there. IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir is personally overseeing the operation, backed by 60,000 reservists.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, visiting Israel, warned of a shrinking window for a hostage-ceasefire deal, urging Qatar to continue mediation despite recent Israeli strikes in Doha targeting Hamas leaders. Hostage families, led by figures like Einav Zangauker, protested outside Netanyahu’s residence, expressing fear for the 47 captives and accusing the government of prioritizing military action over negotiations.

The offensive, following nearly two years of conflict sparked by Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack, has intensified global scrutiny, with a UN report alleging Israeli genocide in Gaza—a claim Israel rejected as "distorted and false."