A negotiated settlement to end the fighting remains distant, in part because of the maximalist positions of Israel’s leader, Benjamin Netanyahu, and of Hamas.

As Israel kicks off its major ground offensive in Gaza City, the Catholic Holy Family Church in the city says it has no plans to leave, a source tells The Times of Israel. The IDF has issued a general evacuation order for Gaza City, urging civilians to head south to a humanitarian zone.

Large explosions were seen overnight in Gaza from southern Israel as the IDF expands its military operation in Gaza City. In a social media post, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Gaza was “burning,