Israel bombards Gaza City, launching new offensive amid starvation crisis

Israel launched strikes on Gaza City overnight as it moved forward with a new offensive in the Palestinian enclave despite international condemnation and mounting domestic protests

Israel launched strikes on Gaza City overnight as it moved forward with a new offensive in the Palestinian enclave despite international condemnation and mounting domestic protests.

Explosions rocked neighborhoods in the city Thursday, after Israel said its military had entered the first stages of a planned assault that includes calling up 60,000 reservists. The operation has sent civilians fleeing once again, intensifying fears about the starvation crisis unfolding in the territory.

Israel also carried out strikes on Khan Younis, in southern Gaza, and Deir al-Balah in the center of the territory on Thursday. Video from Deir al-Balah showed people running away from a large plume of smoke.

The expanded campaign also throws into question ceasefire talks, after Hamas said it had accepted a new proposal. Israel's defiance of global pressure has led to growing tensions with its allies, and it enters the Gaza City campaign while clashing publicly with major Western powers.

Smoke rises Thursday after an Israeli strike in Gaza City.Dawoud Abu Alkas / ReutersPalestinians rush to escape after Israeli strikes on tents where displaced Palestinians live in Deir al-Balah.Anadolu / Getty ImagesEffie Defrin, a spokesperson for the Israeli military, said Wednesday that Israel would "intensify the strikes on Hamas in Gaza City, the political and military stronghold of the terror organization." Defrin said the military would issue evacuation orders to minimize civilian casualties.