Israel says 'Gaza is burning' amid heavy Gaza City strikes

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Gaza was "burning," as witnesses reported heavy shelling by the Israel Defense Forces in Gaza City. 

"The IDF is striking terrorist infrastructure with an iron fist, and IDF soldiers are fighting bravely to create the necessary conditions for the release of the hostages and the defeat of Hamas," Katz said in a statement.

"We will not relent and we will not back down until the mission is accomplished," he added. 

The Associated Press news agency cited residents as saying intense strikes had hit across Gaza City, with one strike hitting at least three houses in the southwestern side of the city.

The French AFP news agency also reported, citing witnesses, that heavy bombing of Gaza City has leveled homes and left people trapped under the rubble.

Israel bombs Gaza City — reports

Israel heavily bombarded Gaza City on Tuesday, according to media reports.

Witnesses told the AFP news agency that "heavy, relentless bombing on Gaza City" has leveled homes and left people trapped under the rubble.

on September 9, Israel launched an airstrike against Hamas leaders in Qatar as it expanded military operations that have ranged across the Middle East.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday backed Israel's stated goal of eradicating Hamas. "The people of Gaza deserve a better future, but that better future cannot begin until Hamas is eliminated," Rubio told reporters at a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Israel "can count on our unwavering support," he said.

About 1 million people in Gaza City are facing intensified Israeli bombardment and a final evacuation order. But residents said there was nowhere safe to go.