Gaza “will be destroyed” if Hamas does not surrender, Israel’s defence minister warned, after the country launched a major ground offensive into the enclave’s largest city.

Israel Ground Offensive in Gaza City News, Israel-Hamas War Live Updates: The Benjamin Netanyahu-led Israel had approved a plan to take over and occupy the heavily bombarded Gaza City in August.

JERUSALEM — (AP) — Israeli troops and tanks pushed deeper into Gaza City on Wednesday as more people fled the devastated area, and strikes cut off phone and internet services, making it harder for Palestinians to summon ambulances during the military's new offensive.

Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign policy chief, urged the 27 member nations to increase tariffs on some Israeli goods and impose sanctions on Israeli settlers, and two members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Cabinet — National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. She also proposed sanctioning 10 Hamas leaders.

US president says if reports of captives being moved above ground to hinder Israeli assault true, ‘all bets are off’.

Terror threats from Hamas force Gaza aid organization to temporarily halt operations, highlighting ongoing interference with humanitarian assistance reaching civilians.