Israel announced the start of its long-awaited ground operation into Gaza City, declaring "Gaza is burning." Palestinians said bombardment of the city had been ramped up dramatically over the past two days, destroying dozens of homes. Naval boats joined tanks and planes in the free-fire zone along the coast. At least 101 Palestinians were killed today. "We have launched a significant operation in Gaza," the revolting Benjamin Netanyahu boasted at the start of his testimony in court in his ongoing corruption trial. For years the "Crime Minister" has been using his role as a wartime PM to stall and delay his nettlesome legal problems in a Tel Aviv court. USSSECSTATE Marco Rubio, who visited Israel on Monday, bleated his support of the Likud junta's decision to abandon ceasefire talks and destroy Gaza. In March 2025, this empty suit expedited $4bn of hard-earned American taxpayer funds to the IDF.