Escalating Tensions: Israel's Offensive in Gaza and Regional Reactions

After a night of intense airstrikes, Israel declared on Tuesday the start of a broader offensive in Gaza City aimed at dismantling Hamas' military infrastructure. Residents were urged to move south, signaling the expansion of the Israel-Hamas conflict amidst dimming hopes for a diplomatic resolution.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has left Israel for Qatar to meet its emir, as condemnation of Israel's recent strike grows. Arab and Muslim nations have denounced the attack, but major actions against Israel remain absent. Egypt, however, sharply criticized Israel, publicly calling it 'the enemy' for the first time in decades.

As Israeli forces escalate their operations, families of hostages held in Gaza protest outside Prime Minister Netanyahu's residence, pleading for the offensive to halt. Meanwhile, casualties mount in Gaza, with reports of numerous deaths and injuries following the intensified military campaign.

(With inputs from agencies.)