# Israel launched its long anticipated ground assault on Gaza City before dawn today, shortly after visiting US Secretary of State Marco Rubio backed its goal of eradicating Hamas in Gaza. A United Nations probe, meanwhile, charged Israel with committing “genocide” in the Palestinian territory and accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other top officials of incitement. During the night, the military unleashed a massive bombardment of Gaza City as Israeli troops moved deeper into the territory’s largest urban hub.
Israel launches ground assault on Gaza City