Axios: Israel launches offensive to occupy Gaza City

The Israeli military launched its ground offensive Monday to occupy Gaza City, which the Netanyahu government says is aimed at rooting out Hamas, Israeli officials said, according to Axios.

A US official said the Trump administration is not going to stop Israel and allows it to make its own decisions regarding the war in Gaza, according to Axios.

Two Israeli officials said Rubio told Netanyahu that the Trump administration supports the ground operation but wants to see it implemented quickly, ending as soon as possible.

As the Israeli tanks were making their way into Gaza City, Trump warned Hamas not to harm the 20 live Israeli hostages it's still holding.

Netanyahu issued a statement in response, thanking Trump for his "unflinching support for Israel's battle against Hamas and the release of all our hostages."

On September 8, Netanyahu said that the Israeli army would soon launch a major offensive on Gaza, due to which local residents should leave it immediately.