Israel's ground offensive in Gaza City: what is known so far

Israel has launched "a ground offensive" to occupy Gaza City to secure the release of the hostages and the defeat of the radical Palestinian movement Hamas.

Yesterday evening, the reported entry of Israeli tanks followed Gazan reports of heavy aerial assaults and artillery fire on the city and its outskirts.

According to Ynet, 37 strikes were launched within 20 minutes, some from combat helicopters. According to the Palestinian WAFA agency, 62 people were killed as a result of the strikes.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said that "Gaza is burning."

"The IDF strikes with an iron fist at the terrorist infrastructure and IDF soldiers are fighting bravely to create the conditions for the release of the hostages and the defeat of Hamas," Israel Katz said.

According to the minister, Israel "will not relent" until the "completion of the mission".

 Operation 'Gideon's Chariots II' was approved by Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu on August 21. The plan has faced criticism inside Israel over fears it could jeopardize the lives of soldiers and captives held in the enclave.

Family members of the Gaza hostages arrived at Netanyahu’s residence in Jerusalem to protest the offensive and raise awareness of the potential danger to the hostages.