Smoke rises to the sky following an Israel military strike in Gaza strip, seen from southern Israel , Monday , September 15, 2025.
Israel’s Defense Minister declared Tuesday that “Gaza is burning” following a night of intense strikes on Gaza City. His remarks came as speculation grows that Israel has launched a fresh offensive aimed at the heart of the enclave.
Overnight Strikes Rock Gaza City
Residents in Gaza reported multiple heavy airstrikes across the city overnight. One strike hit a home in western Gaza City, killing at least five Palestinians, including two children, according to doctors at Shifa Hospital.
In the southwest, at least three houses were destroyed in another strike. Rescue workers and medics rushed to the rubble, searching desperately for survivors.
“It was a heavy night,” said Radwan Hayder, who has been sheltering near Shifa Hospital.
Israel’s Silence Fuels Speculation
Despite the growing reports of casualties and destruction, the Israeli military has not confirmed whether the new offensive has officially begun. Defense Minister Israel Katz’s strong statement, however, has fueled the belief that the next phase of operations is underway.
U.S. Secretary of State Suggests Offensive Has Started
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking while departing Israel for Qatar, hinted that the assault on Gaza City had already begun.
“The Israelis have begun to take operations there,” Rubio told reporters. He added that there was now a very short window for negotiations, possibly just days or weeks, before the fighting escalates further.
No Sign of Ceasefire Talks
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Rubio have both insisted that the conflict can only end with the elimination of Hamas and the release of remaining hostages. Calls for an interim ceasefire have been dismissed in favor of what leaders describe as a decisive end to the war.
Hamas, however, has remained firm in its stance. The group has said it will only release hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, a permanent ceasefire, and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
The Human Cost of the Gaza War
The war in Gaza traces back to October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants stormed into southern Israel. Around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed in the attack, and 251 hostages were taken. Many have since been released under ceasefire agreements brokered with Qatar and other mediators.
Israel’s ongoing military campaign has left Gaza devastated. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, at least 64,871 Palestinians have been killed so far. While the ministry does not separate civilians from fighters, it states that women and children make up nearly half of the casualties.
Gaza Braces for What Comes Next
The overnight strikes mark one of the heaviest bombardments on Gaza City in recent weeks. Families continue to shelter in hospitals and schools, hoping for safety amid the chaos.
With international pressure mounting and both sides unwilling to compromise, the people of Gaza remain trapped in the middle of a conflict showing no signs of ending.
