Israel has launched a major ground operation in Gaza City, a months after its government approved a plan to take over the city despite the objections of military leaders and hostage families.

“Gaza is burning,” Defense Minister Israel Katz tweeted. “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. We will not relent and we will not go back — until the completion of the mission.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the operation from a Tel Aviv courtroom, where a day of testimony in his ongoing corruption trial was cut short by the development.

Israeli leaders say Gaza City is a last major Hamas redoubt and conquering it is essential t

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