Israel's Katz boasts Gaza City 'is burning' as army begins ground invasion

Dozens of Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks since the army announced the start of a ground invasion in Gaza City on Tuesday.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the launch of "a powerful operation in Gaza" that began last night, saying that Israel is at "a crucial stage".

The military said that three of its divisions - 98, 162 and 36 - are taking part in the launch of the ground manoeuvre, dubbed Gideon's Chariots 2.

"The forces of the Gaza Division (143) are operating in the security zone opposite the towns of the western Negev, and are carrying out offensive operations in the areas of Rafah and Khan Younis, while the forces of the 99th Division are operating in the northern Gaza Strip," it said. 

Ahead of the renewed operation in the city, heavy Israeli bombardment was reported across north and central Gaza Strip overnight, with over 50 Palestinians killed since dawn. 

The deadly assault was met with celebration in Israel, as Defence Minister Israel Katz exclaimed that "Gaza [City] is burning."

"The IDF is striking the terror infrastructure with an iron fist... We will not relent and we will not back down, until the mission is completed."

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