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That's it for today
We are now pausing our live coverage. Thanks for following the updates.
Before we go, here's a summary of today's main developments:
Israel has confirmed an expanded operation in Gaza City is under way, warning residents to move south;
Israel's chief of the general staff has told his troops their mission is to defeat Hamas's Gaza City brigade;
According to a commission established by the UN, Israel is committing genocide in Gaza;
Israel said the report relies "entirely on Hamas falsehoods, laundered and repeated by others";
Donald Trump has said Hamas will be in "big trouble" if it uses Israeli hostages as human shields;
Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, had arrived in Qatar following Israeli strikes on Hamas officials in the capital, Doha, last week.
'Mission' in Gaza City 'rests on your shoulders', Israeli troops told
Israel's chief of the general staff has told his troops their mission is to defeat Hamas's Gaza City brigade.
"The mission rests on your shoulders," Eyal Zamir said.
He said their task is to "intensify the blows against Hamas" in order to "carry out the most moral and important duty" - the return of all the hostages and the "dismantling of Hamas's military and governing capabilities".
Zamir said:Â "Yesterday we expanded the ground operation into the centre of Gaza City, which constitutes a vital area for Hamas.Â
"The threat has changed, but so have we; we come better prepared. This is a move of decisive importance for the continuation of the war."
According to a commission established by the UN, Israel is committing genocide in Gaza (8am post).
The report claims it is "clear there is an intent to destroy the Palestinians in Gaza" and says Israel's actions meet the criteria set down for defining a genocide.
Israel said the report relies "entirely on Hamas falsehoods, laundered and repeated by others".
Trump: Hamas will be in 'big trouble' if hostages are used as human shields
Donald Trump has said Hamas will be in "big
trouble" if it uses Israeli hostages as human shields.
Israel has expanded its ground offensive in Gaza City.
The US president spoke to reporters as he left the White House for his state visit to Britain.
Earlier (see post at 9.26am) he said on Truth Social he had read a news report saying Hamas had moved the hostages "above ground to use them as human shields".
He said he hoped Hamas leaders "know what they're getting into" should they do that.
He added: "This is a human atrocity, the likes of which few people have ever seen before."
Watch: Hamas destruction considered impossible - so what's the aim in Gaza City offensive?
The total destruction of Hamas is considered impossible, according to our
military analyst Sean Bell
.
Nonetheless, Israel is today pursuing a ground offensive into Gaza City, which it describes as a Hamas stronghold.
Around a million Palestinians are believed to live in the city and surrounding areas, with Israel urging them to evacuate to already-overcrowded areas far in the south of the territory.
"Even if you level Gaza City, there's no guarantee that actually Hamas will be there," Bell says, referring to an extensive tunnel network under Gaza.
"So I do think this is back to: what is it that Netanyahu is actually trying to achieve?"
At face value, he added, it's looking "more and more likely" that the aim is to clear Palestinians out of not only the Gaza, but also the West Bank.
Watch his comments in full below...
Stop the carnage, UN human rights chief tells Israel as Gaza City ground attack begins
We've had more comments from the UN human rights chief.
Earlier, Volker Turk criticised Israel's strike on Qatar last week (see our 11.26 post), which targeted Hamas leadership.
Since then, Turk has called on Israel to immediately stop its assault on Gaza City.
Speaking just hours after Israel began a ground offensive into the territory's largest city - described by Israel as a Hamas stronghold - Turk said the evidence for war crimes is mounting.
"I can only think of what it means for women, for malnourished children, for people with disabilities, if they are again attacked in this way," he told reporters in Geneva.
"And I have to say the only response to this is: stop the carnage."
He added "everyone wants an end to this", and "what we see is a further escalation, which is totally and utterly unacceptable".Â
"I call on Israel to stop its wanton destruction of Gaza."
Pressure to use 'genocide' term
A UN body report concluded today Israel has committed genocide in Gaza (see our 8am post) - a charge the country has rejected.Â
Turk hasn't used that term, despite pressure to do just that.Â
Asked if he would consider using the word to describe Israel's actions, Turk said: "We see the piling up of war crime after war crime or crime against humanity, and potentially even more.
"I mean, it's for the court to decide whether it's genocide or not, and we see the evidence mounting."
In pictures: Huge queues of Palestinians flee Gaza City as Israeli ground offensive begins
Pictures from Gaza show a huge queue of Palestinians fleeing south down the coastal road.
They're leaving the area of Gaza City, where Israel has today begun its ground offensive to capture what it calls a Hamas stronghold.
Many fear they cannot leave the north of Gaza, with the south already overcrowded and the cost of transport high.
Spain votes to boycott Eurovision if Israel competes
Some more news from Spain, which has been an outspoken critic of Israel's conduct in Gaza.
The board of Spanish state broadcaster RTVE has voted to withdraw from the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if Israel takes part.
Spain is the fifth country to make this pledge ahead of the May event in Vienna, after the Netherlands, Slovenia, Iceland and Ireland.
It's also the first of the so-called "Big Five" - a group also including the UK, Germany, Italy and France that chips in the most money and automatically qualifies for the event - to make the move.
The measure got 10 votes in favour, four against and one abstention.
Eurovision, which stresses political neutrality, has faced controversy this year over the war in Gaza.
Several countries had urged the European Broadcasting Union to exclude Israel from the 2025 event, during which Israeli contestant Yuval Raphael finished second.
Austrian singer JJ, who won this year, has also called for Israel to be excluded in 2026.
Hostage relatives make urgent call for support in protest near Netanyahu's home
An "emergency order" has been issued by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum.Â
Relatives of hostages remaining in Gaza have been calling on Benjamin Netanyahu to end the fighting and secure the release of all captives.
But with Israel announcing the start of its ground offensive on Gaza City - part of plans to capture what it says is a Hamas stronghold - protesters have gathered near the prime minister's home in Jerusalem.
"This is an emergency order," the group said in a statement shared on social media.
"The families of the kidnapped are calling on the people of Israel to stand by us in front of the prime minister's residence and cry out:
Netanyahu - stop this!
"Do not send our soldiers on a mission to kill and lose the kidnapped."
Military achievements have already been made, they added, and now it is time for "political achievements".
"Join us to save lives, prevent the disappearance of the fallen, and bring everyone home."
Netanyahu and two top officials named in UN report for 'inciting' genocide
As we reported in the post below this one, Isaac Herzog has criticised a UN body's report accusing Israel of genocide.
He is named in the
report
as an Israeli official who has "incited the commission of genocide".
Former defence minister Yoav Gallant and Benjamin Netanyahu are also singled out.
Here's a look at some of their comments highlighted in the report:
Yoav Gallant
On 9 October 2023, Israel's then Defence Minister Yoav Gallant announced a complete siege on Gaza, claiming that Israel was fighting "human animals" and Israel must "act accordingly". On 10 October 2023, in a speech to Israeli security forces personnel, Gallant stated, "Gaza won’t return to what it was before. There will be no Hamas. We will eliminate everything. If it doesn't take one day, it will take a week. It will take weeks or even months, we will reach all places."
Isaac Herzog
On 13 October 2023, President Isaac Herzog stated, "it's an entire nation out there that is responsible. It is not true, this rhetoric about civilians who were not aware and not involved. It is absolutely not true."
Benjamin Netanyahu
On 3 November 2023, Prime Minister Netanyahu published a letter to the Israeli soldiers and commanders in the war, in which he wrote, "Remember what Amalek did to you... This is a war between the sons of light and the sons of darkness… We constantly remember the sights of the horrific massacre on that Simchat Torah Shabbat, October 7, 2023." The descendants of Amalek, the Amalekites, were enemies of the Israelites in the Hebrew bible. In the Book of Samuel, God tells the Israelites, 'Now go and attack Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have; do not spare them, but kill both man and woman, child and infant, ox and sheep, camel and donkey.' The Commission notes that, in invoking Amalek in his speech, Netanyahu strengthened the idea that Israel's war in Gaza is akin to the holy war of total annihilation commanded against the Amalekites.Â
Herzog rejects genocide report that singled him out for guilt
Israel's president has added his voice to the country's criticism of a UN body's report accusing it of genocide in Gaza.
Isaac Herzog, who visited the UK last week, is named in the report, compiled by a UN Commission of Inquiry,Â
The report concludes that "Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and then Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, have incited the commission of genocide".
Herzog has now responded - here is his statement in full:
"Israel - and I personally - categorically reject this so-called 'report' and its disgraced authors, whose lack of legitimacy is so total that being named in their accusations is itself an endorsement of our fight for human rights.
"I condemn the authors' desperate attempts to manipulate and misinterpret my words for their nefarious prejudices. Their moral acrobatics to dismiss any context, timing, or evidence that disproves their preconceived bias, is proof enough of the offence they intend to cause and of their utter disregard for the pursuit of justice.
"While Israel defends its people and seeks the return of hostages, this morally bankrupt commission obsesses over blaming the Jewish state, whitewashing Hamas's atrocities, and turning victims of one of the worst massacres of modern times into the accused."
Israel undermined regional peace in Qatar strike, UN rights chief says - as Doha demands accountability
The UN's human rights chief has been speaking this morning.
During an urgent debate at the UN's Human Rights Council in Geneva, Volker Turk accused Israel of undermining regional peace and stability with its strike on Qatar last week.
Israel targeted Hamas leadership in Doha in its attack, a move that sparked fury in Qatar - a mediator in the Gaza war - and one Benjamin Netanyahu has refused to rule out repeating.
Turk told delegates at the council: "Israel's strike on negotiators in Doha on 9 September was a shocking breach of international law, an assault on regional peace and stability, and a blow against the integrity of mediation and negotiating processes around the world."Â
Qatar's representative to the UN in Geneva said the strike amounts to state terrorism and called on the council to take steps to hold Israel accountable.
Starmer: Leaders discussed 'unacceptable' Israeli strike on Qatar in call
We've had a statement come in from Downing Street a short while ago.
A spokesperson said the UK's Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer joined a video call with the leaders of Qatar, Jordan, Egypt, France and Canada yesterday afternoon.
"They discussed Israel's unacceptable strike on Doha last week, agreeing that they must redouble their efforts towards peace and a long-term solution to end the cycle of violence in the region," the spokesperson said.
"The prime minister applauded Qatar's vital mediation role and their steadfast commitment to continuing with talks, adding that the UK stands ready to support these efforts.
"They discussed the appalling situation in Gaza and made clear Israel must change course immediately by halting its ground offensive and letting in a surge of humanitarian aid without delay.
"This is the only way to make progress towards a ceasefire and secure the release of the hostages", they added.
Spain summons Israeli envoy over foreign minister's 'antisemite' comment
Spain has summoned Israel's acting ambassador to the country for the second time in less than a week.
This time, Dana Erlich has been called in Madrid over comments made by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar towards Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.
Yesterday, Sanchez called for Israel to be banned from international sporting events over its actions in Gaza.
Saar responded by calling the Spanish leader an "antisemite and a liar".
Spain has been an outspoken critic of Israel's war in Gaza.
On Sunday, thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters in Madrid disrupted the final leg of a top cycling event because an Israeli team was taking part.
The race's finale was cancelled as a result.
Erlich was also summoned late last week after Benjamin Netanyahu accused Sanchez of making "genocidal threats", in reference to Spain's measures against Israel-bound arms and fuel deliveries.
Watch the moment the Tour of Spain bike race is cut short by protests...
In pictures: Palestinians flee south as Israel begins ground assault on Gaza City
Displaced Palestinians have been seen leaving northern parts of Gaza.
These images from this morning show some carrying their belongings south along the coastal road, as Israel announced an expanded operation in Gaza City.
Analysis: Genocide report a significant moment - but Israel will take no notice
A UN body's report accusing Israel of genocide is a "very significant" moment, says our
Middle East correspondent Adam Parsons
.Â
Speaking from Jerusalem, he highlights this is the first time a UN body has made the allegation against Israel.
"There have been comments before, there have been people calling for this to be investigated - but this is the first time that a UN body has said definitively, in their opinion, genocide is being committed," he said.
Failing just one of the five criteria - as listed in the Genocide Convention - passes the threshold of genocide.
This report claims Israel has failed four.
It accuses Israel of indiscriminate killing, adding children have been directly targeted.
It also says that there has been an effort to stymie the growth of the Palestinian population, and accuses Israel of sexual crimes.
Schism between Israel and UN
The International Criminal Court has already issued warrants for the arrest of Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defence minister Yoav Gallant.
"Israel has no time for the United Nations at all," Parsons said.
"There is a schism between Israel and the UN. Israel has long claimed the UN have been biased against it and has described this report as Hamas propaganda, and says that it is antisemitic.
"So the Israelis will not, frankly, take any notice of this. It will not stop their conduct."
Instead, Israel will regard this as "further evidence that the international community is biased against them", Parsons added.
"That is how Netanyahu will sell it to his supporters."
Ground forces moving deeper into Gaza City, says Israel
Israel will gradually increase the number of troops in Gaza City, according to a military official.
They will join forces already there, who are advancing deeper into Gaza City and moving towards the centre, the official said.
They added the military is prepared to continue operations for as long as necessary to defeat Hamas.
Operations in Gaza City will be done swiftly yet safely, the official said, prioritising the safety of hostages and civilians.
The military estimates 40% of Gaza City residents have already moved south, where it will expand "humanitarian efforts", according to the official.
'All bets are off' if Hamas uses hostages as human shields, says Trump
Donald Trump posted a new warning for Hamas late last night.
He said he had just read a news report claiming Hamas is moving hostages above ground to use them as human shields against Israel's ground offensive.
He said he hopes Hamas leaders "know what they're getting into" if they do that.
"This is a human atrocity, the likes of which few people have ever seen before," he wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social.
"Don't let this happen or, ALL 'BETS' ARE OFF. RELEASE ALL HOSTAGES NOW!"
Israeli response 'so boring' and 'from ChatGPT', says genocide report author
One of the authors of a UN body's report accusing Israel of genocide has criticised the country's response.
Chris Sidoti, one of the three human rights experts behind the report (see our 8am post for more on that), said Israeli responses have become "so boring".
Israel said the authors are "serving as Hamas proxies", in response to the report.
"You know, they say the same thing every time," Sidoti said.
"They're producing responses by ChatGPT these days. And they spend so much money in the Foreign Ministry on propaganda, you think that they would actually come up with something original."
He said he would want them to "engage with the evidence", but "they never engage with the evidence".
"They put the report into ChatGPT and then they put out the standard response," he said.
"So, no one takes it seriously."
Trump: Israel won't hit Qatar again
After Israel struck Qatar last week in an attempt to kill Hamas leadership there, Benjamin Netanyahu refused to rule out future attacks.
US secretary of state Marco Rubio is in Qatar today and hopes to keep the country onside as a mediator in the conflict.
And Qatar, furious at the Israeli strike, has been told by Donald Trump Israel won't attack again.
Describing the Gulf state as a "very good ally" to the US, Trump said "he won't be hitting Qatar", referring to Netanyahu.
He also said he was not informed by the Israeli prime minister in advance about Israel's attack - that's despite an Axios report saying Netanyahu informed the US president of the strike shortly ahead of time.
Trump's team has said it was notified only after missiles were in the air, giving Trump no opportunity to oppose the strike.
Israel rejects UN body's genocide accusation
Israel has responded to a new report accusing it of genocide in Gaza - see our 8am post.
It's the first time a UN body has made allegations of genocide against Israel.
But the country said the report relies "entirely on Hamas falsehoods, laundered and repeated by others".
Those "fabrications" have already been "thoroughly debunked", it added, referring to a study by thinktank the Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies.
It has accused the three authors of the report as serving as Hamas proxies.
"In stark contrast to the lies in the report, Hamas is the party that attempted genocide in Israel murdering 1,200 people, raping women, burning families alive, and openly declaring its goal of killing every Jew," it added.
"Israel categorically rejects this distorted and false report and calls for the immediate abolition of this commission of inquiry." | ||||||
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# Israel-Hamas latest: Ground forces moving deeper into Gaza City, Israel says
Israeli forces are moving deeper into Gaza City, as a ground attack intended to "destroy Hamas" finally begins. Overnight, Israel's defence minister said Gaza was "burning".
Tuesday 16 September 2025 16:15, UK
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##### Key points
- [UN body accuses Israel of genocide in Gaza for first time View post](https://news.sky.com/story/israel-gaza-doha-strike-hamas-qatar-latest-live-updates-13427415?postid=10187401#liveblog-body)
- [Israel rejects accusation - blaming Hamas 'fabrications' View post](https://news.sky.com/story/israel-gaza-doha-strike-hamas-qatar-latest-live-updates-13427415?postid=10187530#liveblog-body)
- [Analysis: Genocide report a significant moment - but Israel will take no notice View post](https://news.sky.com/story/israel-gaza-doha-strike-hamas-qatar-latest-live-updates-13427415?postid=10187849#liveblog-body)
- ['Gaza is burning', says Israeli minister after overnight attack View post](https://news.sky.com/story/israel-gaza-doha-strike-hamas-qatar-latest-live-updates-13427415?postid=10187156#liveblog-body)
- [As ground forces 'move deeper' in new Gaza City assault View post](https://news.sky.com/story/israel-gaza-doha-strike-hamas-qatar-latest-live-updates-13427415?postid=10187793#liveblog-body)
- [Deal possible - but there's a 'very short window', says Rubio View post](https://news.sky.com/story/israel-gaza-doha-strike-hamas-qatar-latest-live-updates-13427415?postid=10187205#liveblog-body)
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16 Sept 16 Sept 14:29
## That's it for today
We are now pausing our live coverage. Thanks for following the updates.
Before we go, here's a summary of today's main developments:
- Israel has confirmed an expanded operation in Gaza City is under way, warning residents to move south;
- Israel's chief of the general staff has told his troops their mission is to defeat Hamas's Gaza City brigade;
- According to a commission established by the UN, Israel is committing genocide in Gaza;
- Israel said the report relies "entirely on Hamas falsehoods, laundered and repeated by others";
- Donald Trump has said Hamas will be in "big trouble" if it uses Israeli hostages as human shields;
- Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, had arrived in Qatar following Israeli strikes on Hamas officials in the capital, Doha, last week.
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16 Sept 16 Sept 14:03
## 'Mission' in Gaza City 'rests on your shoulders', Israeli troops told
Israel's chief of the general staff has told his troops their mission is to defeat Hamas's Gaza City brigade.
"The mission rests on your shoulders," Eyal Zamir said.
He said their task is to "intensify the blows against Hamas" in order to "carry out the most moral and important duty" - the return of all the hostages and the "dismantling of Hamas's military and governing capabilities".
Zamir said: "Yesterday we expanded the ground operation into the centre of Gaza City, which constitutes a vital area for Hamas.
"The threat has changed, but so have we; we come better prepared. This is a move of decisive importance for the continuation of the war."
According to a commission established by the UN, Israel is committing genocide in Gaza (8am post).
The report claims it is "clear there is an intent to destroy the Palestinians in Gaza" and says Israel's actions meet the criteria set down for defining a genocide.
Israel said the report relies "entirely on Hamas falsehoods, laundered and repeated by others".
Smoke rises from Gaza after an explosion - as seen from the Israeli side of the borderReuters
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16 Sept 16 Sept 13:35
## Trump: Hamas will be in 'big trouble' if hostages are used as human shields
Donald Trump has said Hamas will be in "big trouble" if it uses Israeli hostages as human shields.
Israel has expanded its ground offensive in Gaza City.
The US president spoke to reporters as he left the White House for his state visit to Britain.
Earlier (see post at 9.26am) he said on Truth Social he had read a news report saying Hamas had moved the hostages "above ground to use them as human shields".
He said he hoped Hamas leaders "know what they're getting into" should they do that.
He added: "This is a human atrocity, the likes of which few people have ever seen before."
Trump at the White House before departing for the UKReuters
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16 Sept 16 Sept 12:57
## Watch: Hamas destruction considered impossible - so what's the aim in Gaza City offensive?
The total destruction of Hamas is considered impossible, according to our [**military analyst Sean Bell**](https://news.sky.com/author/sean-bell-894).
Nonetheless, Israel is today pursuing a ground offensive into Gaza City, which it describes as a Hamas stronghold.
Around a million Palestinians are believed to live in the city and surrounding areas, with Israel urging them to evacuate to already-overcrowded areas far in the south of the territory.
"Even if you level Gaza City, there's no guarantee that actually Hamas will be there," Bell says, referring to an extensive tunnel network under Gaza.
"So I do think this is back to: what is it that Netanyahu is actually trying to achieve?"
At face value, he added, it's looking "more and more likely" that the aim is to clear Palestinians out of not only the Gaza, but also the West Bank.
**Watch his comments in full below...**
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16 Sept 16 Sept 12:34
## Stop the carnage, UN human rights chief tells Israel as Gaza City ground attack begins
We've had more comments from the UN human rights chief.
Earlier, Volker Turk criticised Israel's strike on Qatar last week (see our 11.26 post), which targeted Hamas leadership.
Since then, Turk has called on Israel to immediately stop its assault on Gaza City.
Speaking just hours after Israel began a ground offensive into the territory's largest city - described by Israel as a Hamas stronghold - Turk said the evidence for war crimes is mounting.
"I can only think of what it means for women, for malnourished children, for people with disabilities, if they are again attacked in this way," he told reporters in Geneva.
"And I have to say the only response to this is: stop the carnage."
He added "everyone wants an end to this", and "what we see is a further escalation, which is totally and utterly unacceptable".
"I call on Israel to stop its wanton destruction of Gaza."
**Pressure to use 'genocide' term**
A UN body report concluded today Israel has committed genocide in Gaza (see our 8am post) - a charge the country has rejected.
Turk hasn't used that term, despite pressure to do just that.
Asked if he would consider using the word to describe Israel's actions, Turk said: "We see the piling up of war crime after war crime or crime against humanity, and potentially even more.
"I mean, it's for the court to decide whether it's genocide or not, and we see the evidence mounting."
Volker TurkReuters
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16 Sept 16 Sept 12:11
## In pictures: Huge queues of Palestinians flee Gaza City as Israeli ground offensive begins
Pictures from Gaza show a huge queue of Palestinians fleeing south down the coastal road.
They're leaving the area of Gaza City, where Israel has today begun its ground offensive to capture what it calls a Hamas stronghold.
Many fear they cannot leave the north of Gaza, with the south already overcrowded and the cost of transport high.
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16 Sept 16 Sept 11:47
## Spain votes to boycott Eurovision if Israel competes
Some more news from Spain, which has been an outspoken critic of Israel's conduct in Gaza.
The board of Spanish state broadcaster RTVE has voted to withdraw from the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if Israel takes part.
Spain is the fifth country to make this pledge ahead of the May event in Vienna, after the Netherlands, Slovenia, Iceland and Ireland.
It's also the first of the so-called "Big Five" - a group also including the UK, Germany, Italy and France that chips in the most money and automatically qualifies for the event - to make the move.
The measure got 10 votes in favour, four against and one abstention.
Eurovision, which stresses political neutrality, has faced controversy this year over the war in Gaza.
Several countries had urged the European Broadcasting Union to exclude Israel from the 2025 event, during which Israeli contestant Yuval Raphael finished second.
Austrian singer JJ, who won this year, has also called for Israel to be excluded in 2026.
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16 Sept 16 Sept 11:29
## Hostage relatives make urgent call for support in protest near Netanyahu's home
An "emergency order" has been issued by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum.
Relatives of hostages remaining in Gaza have been calling on Benjamin Netanyahu to end the fighting and secure the release of all captives.
But with Israel announcing the start of its ground offensive on Gaza City - part of plans to capture what it says is a Hamas stronghold - protesters have gathered near the prime minister's home in Jerusalem.
Protesters in Jerusalem this morning
"This is an emergency order," the group said in a statement shared on social media.
"The families of the kidnapped are calling on the people of Israel to stand by us in front of the prime minister's residence and cry out: Netanyahu - stop this\!
"Do not send our soldiers on a mission to kill and lose the kidnapped."
Pics: Reuters
Military achievements have already been made, they added, and now it is time for "political achievements".
"Join us to save lives, prevent the disappearance of the fallen, and bring everyone home."
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16 Sept 16 Sept 11:07
## Netanyahu and two top officials named in UN report for 'inciting' genocide
As we reported in the post below this one, Isaac Herzog has criticised a UN body's report accusing Israel of genocide.
He is named in the [**report**](https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/documents/hrbodies/hrcouncil/sessions-regular/session60/advance-version/a-hrc-60-crp-3.pdf) as an Israeli official who has "incited the commission of genocide".
Former defence minister Yoav Gallant and Benjamin Netanyahu are also singled out.
Here's a look at some of their comments highlighted in the report:
**Yoav Gallant**
> On 9 October 2023, Israel's then Defence Minister Yoav Gallant announced a complete siege on Gaza, claiming that Israel was fighting "human animals" and Israel must "act accordingly". On 10 October 2023, in a speech to Israeli security forces personnel, Gallant stated, "Gaza won’t return to what it was before. There will be no Hamas. We will eliminate everything. If it doesn't take one day, it will take a week. It will take weeks or even months, we will reach all places."
**Isaac Herzog**
> On 13 October 2023, President Isaac Herzog stated, "it's an entire nation out there that is responsible. It is not true, this rhetoric about civilians who were not aware and not involved. It is absolutely not true."
**Benjamin Netanyahu**
> On 3 November 2023, Prime Minister Netanyahu published a letter to the Israeli soldiers and commanders in the war, in which he wrote, "Remember what Amalek did to you... This is a war between the sons of light and the sons of darkness… We constantly remember the sights of the horrific massacre on that Simchat Torah Shabbat, October 7, 2023." The descendants of Amalek, the Amalekites, were enemies of the Israelites in the Hebrew bible. In the Book of Samuel, God tells the Israelites, 'Now go and attack Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have; do not spare them, but kill both man and woman, child and infant, ox and sheep, camel and donkey.' The Commission notes that, in invoking Amalek in his speech, Netanyahu strengthened the idea that Israel's war in Gaza is akin to the holy war of total annihilation commanded against the Amalekites.
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16 Sept 16 Sept 10:46
## Herzog rejects genocide report that singled him out for guilt
Israel's president has added his voice to the country's criticism of a UN body's report accusing it of genocide in Gaza.
Isaac Herzog, who visited the UK last week, is named in the report, compiled by a UN Commission of Inquiry,
The report concludes that "Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and then Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, have incited the commission of genocide".
Herzog has now responded - here is his statement in full:
> "Israel - and I personally - categorically reject this so-called 'report' and its disgraced authors, whose lack of legitimacy is so total that being named in their accusations is itself an endorsement of our fight for human rights.
>
> "I condemn the authors' desperate attempts to manipulate and misinterpret my words for their nefarious prejudices. Their moral acrobatics to dismiss any context, timing, or evidence that disproves their preconceived bias, is proof enough of the offence they intend to cause and of their utter disregard for the pursuit of justice.
>
> "While Israel defends its people and seeks the return of hostages, this morally bankrupt commission obsesses over blaming the Jewish state, whitewashing Hamas's atrocities, and turning victims of one of the worst massacres of modern times into the accused."
Isaac Herzog with Sir Keir Starmer at Downing Street last weekReuters
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16 Sept 16 Sept 10:26
## Israel undermined regional peace in Qatar strike, UN rights chief says - as Doha demands accountability
The UN's human rights chief has been speaking this morning.
During an urgent debate at the UN's Human Rights Council in Geneva, Volker Turk accused Israel of undermining regional peace and stability with its strike on Qatar last week.
Israel targeted Hamas leadership in Doha in its attack, a move that sparked fury in Qatar - a mediator in the Gaza war - and one Benjamin Netanyahu has refused to rule out repeating.
Turk told delegates at the council: "Israel's strike on negotiators in Doha on 9 September was a shocking breach of international law, an assault on regional peace and stability, and a blow against the integrity of mediation and negotiating processes around the world."
Qatar's representative to the UN in Geneva said the strike amounts to state terrorism and called on the council to take steps to hold Israel accountable.
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16 Sept 16 Sept 10:04
## Starmer: Leaders discussed 'unacceptable' Israeli strike on Qatar in call
We've had a statement come in from Downing Street a short while ago.
A spokesperson said the UK's Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer joined a video call with the leaders of Qatar, Jordan, Egypt, France and Canada yesterday afternoon.
"They discussed Israel's unacceptable strike on Doha last week, agreeing that they must redouble their efforts towards peace and a long-term solution to end the cycle of violence in the region," the spokesperson said.
"The prime minister applauded Qatar's vital mediation role and their steadfast commitment to continuing with talks, adding that the UK stands ready to support these efforts.
"They discussed the appalling situation in Gaza and made clear Israel must change course immediately by halting its ground offensive and letting in a surge of humanitarian aid without delay.
"This is the only way to make progress towards a ceasefire and secure the release of the hostages", they added.
Starmer on SundayReuters
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16 Sept 16 Sept 09:42
## Spain summons Israeli envoy over foreign minister's 'antisemite' comment
Spain has summoned Israel's acting ambassador to the country for the second time in less than a week.
This time, Dana Erlich has been called in Madrid over comments made by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar towards Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.
Yesterday, Sanchez called for Israel to be banned from international sporting events over its actions in Gaza.
Saar responded by calling the Spanish leader an "antisemite and a liar".
Spain has been an outspoken critic of Israel's war in Gaza.
On Sunday, thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters in Madrid disrupted the final leg of a top cycling event because an Israeli team was taking part.
The race's finale was cancelled as a result.
Erlich was also summoned late last week after Benjamin Netanyahu accused Sanchez of making "genocidal threats", in reference to Spain's measures against Israel-bound arms and fuel deliveries.
**Watch the moment the Tour of Spain bike race is cut short by protests...**
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16 Sept 16 Sept 09:21
## In pictures: Palestinians flee south as Israel begins ground assault on Gaza City
Displaced Palestinians have been seen leaving northern parts of Gaza.
These images from this morning show some carrying their belongings south along the coastal road, as Israel announced an expanded operation in Gaza City.
Pics: AP
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16 Sept 16 Sept 08:59
## Analysis: Genocide report a significant moment - but Israel will take no notice
A UN body's report accusing Israel of genocide is a "very significant" moment, says our [**Middle East correspondent Adam Parsons**](https://news.sky.com/author/adam-parsons-585).
Speaking from Jerusalem, he highlights this is the first time a UN body has made the allegation against Israel.
"There have been comments before, there have been people calling for this to be investigated - but this is the first time that a UN body has said definitively, in their opinion, genocide is being committed," he said.
Failing just one of the five criteria - as listed in the Genocide Convention - passes the threshold of genocide.
This report claims Israel has failed four.
It accuses Israel of indiscriminate killing, adding children have been directly targeted.
It also says that there has been an effort to stymie the growth of the Palestinian population, and accuses Israel of sexual crimes.
**Schism between Israel and UN**
The International Criminal Court has already issued warrants for the arrest of Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defence minister Yoav Gallant.
"Israel has no time for the United Nations at all," Parsons said.
"There is a schism between Israel and the UN. Israel has long claimed the UN have been biased against it and has described this report as Hamas propaganda, and says that it is antisemitic.
"So the Israelis will not, frankly, take any notice of this. It will not stop their conduct."
Instead, Israel will regard this as "further evidence that the international community is biased against them", Parsons added.
"That is how Netanyahu will sell it to his supporters."
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16 Sept 16 Sept 08:40
## Ground forces moving deeper into Gaza City, says Israel
Israel will gradually increase the number of troops in Gaza City, according to a military official.
They will join forces already there, who are advancing deeper into Gaza City and moving towards the centre, the official said.
They added the military is prepared to continue operations for as long as necessary to defeat Hamas.
Operations in Gaza City will be done swiftly yet safely, the official said, prioritising the safety of hostages and civilians.
The military estimates 40% of Gaza City residents have already moved south, where it will expand "humanitarian efforts", according to the official.
Palestinians inspect the site of an overnight Israeli strike on a house in Gaza CityReuters
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16 Sept 16 Sept 08:26
## 'All bets are off' if Hamas uses hostages as human shields, says Trump
Donald Trump posted a new warning for Hamas late last night.
He said he had just read a news report claiming Hamas is moving hostages above ground to use them as human shields against Israel's ground offensive.
He said he hopes Hamas leaders "know what they're getting into" if they do that.
"This is a human atrocity, the likes of which few people have ever seen before," he wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social.
"Don't let this happen or, ALL 'BETS' ARE OFF. RELEASE ALL HOSTAGES NOW!"
Trump's post in full
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16 Sept 16 Sept 08:04
## Israeli response 'so boring' and 'from ChatGPT', says genocide report author
One of the authors of a UN body's report accusing Israel of genocide has criticised the country's response.
Chris Sidoti, one of the three human rights experts behind the report (see our 8am post for more on that), said Israeli responses have become "so boring".
Israel said the authors are "serving as Hamas proxies", in response to the report.
"You know, they say the same thing every time," Sidoti said.
"They're producing responses by ChatGPT these days. And they spend so much money in the Foreign Ministry on propaganda, you think that they would actually come up with something original."
He said he would want them to "engage with the evidence", but "they never engage with the evidence".
"They put the report into ChatGPT and then they put out the standard response," he said.
"So, no one takes it seriously."
Sidoti in 2022Reuters
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16 Sept 16 Sept 07:51
## Trump: Israel won't hit Qatar again
After Israel struck Qatar last week in an attempt to kill Hamas leadership there, Benjamin Netanyahu refused to rule out future attacks.
US secretary of state Marco Rubio is in Qatar today and hopes to keep the country onside as a mediator in the conflict.
And Qatar, furious at the Israeli strike, has been told by Donald Trump Israel won't attack again.
Describing the Gulf state as a "very good ally" to the US, Trump said "he won't be hitting Qatar", referring to Netanyahu.
He also said he was not informed by the Israeli prime minister in advance about Israel's attack - that's despite an Axios report saying Netanyahu informed the US president of the strike shortly ahead of time.
Trump's team has said it was notified only after missiles were in the air, giving Trump no opportunity to oppose the strike.
Smoke rising in Doha after the attackReuters
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16 Sept 16 Sept 07:30
## Israel rejects UN body's genocide accusation
Israel has responded to a new report accusing it of genocide in Gaza - see our 8am post.
It's the first time a UN body has made allegations of genocide against Israel.
But the country said the report relies "entirely on Hamas falsehoods, laundered and repeated by others".
Those "fabrications" have already been "thoroughly debunked", it added, referring to a study by thinktank the Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies.
It has accused the three authors of the report as serving as Hamas proxies.
"In stark contrast to the lies in the report, Hamas is the party that attempted genocide in Israel murdering 1,200 people, raping women, burning families alive, and openly declaring its goal of killing every Jew," it added.
"Israel categorically rejects this distorted and false report and calls for the immediate abolition of this commission of inquiry."
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| Readable Markdown | Sort by:
## That's it for today
We are now pausing our live coverage. Thanks for following the updates.
Before we go, here's a summary of today's main developments:
- Israel has confirmed an expanded operation in Gaza City is under way, warning residents to move south;
- Israel's chief of the general staff has told his troops their mission is to defeat Hamas's Gaza City brigade;
- According to a commission established by the UN, Israel is committing genocide in Gaza;
- Israel said the report relies "entirely on Hamas falsehoods, laundered and repeated by others";
- Donald Trump has said Hamas will be in "big trouble" if it uses Israeli hostages as human shields;
- Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, had arrived in Qatar following Israeli strikes on Hamas officials in the capital, Doha, last week.
## 'Mission' in Gaza City 'rests on your shoulders', Israeli troops told
Israel's chief of the general staff has told his troops their mission is to defeat Hamas's Gaza City brigade.
"The mission rests on your shoulders," Eyal Zamir said.
He said their task is to "intensify the blows against Hamas" in order to "carry out the most moral and important duty" - the return of all the hostages and the "dismantling of Hamas's military and governing capabilities".
Zamir said: "Yesterday we expanded the ground operation into the centre of Gaza City, which constitutes a vital area for Hamas.
"The threat has changed, but so have we; we come better prepared. This is a move of decisive importance for the continuation of the war."
According to a commission established by the UN, Israel is committing genocide in Gaza (8am post).
The report claims it is "clear there is an intent to destroy the Palestinians in Gaza" and says Israel's actions meet the criteria set down for defining a genocide.
Israel said the report relies "entirely on Hamas falsehoods, laundered and repeated by others".
## Trump: Hamas will be in 'big trouble' if hostages are used as human shields
Donald Trump has said Hamas will be in "big trouble" if it uses Israeli hostages as human shields.
Israel has expanded its ground offensive in Gaza City.
The US president spoke to reporters as he left the White House for his state visit to Britain.
Earlier (see post at 9.26am) he said on Truth Social he had read a news report saying Hamas had moved the hostages "above ground to use them as human shields".
He said he hoped Hamas leaders "know what they're getting into" should they do that.
He added: "This is a human atrocity, the likes of which few people have ever seen before."
## Watch: Hamas destruction considered impossible - so what's the aim in Gaza City offensive?
The total destruction of Hamas is considered impossible, according to our [**military analyst Sean Bell**](https://news.sky.com/author/sean-bell-894).
Nonetheless, Israel is today pursuing a ground offensive into Gaza City, which it describes as a Hamas stronghold.
Around a million Palestinians are believed to live in the city and surrounding areas, with Israel urging them to evacuate to already-overcrowded areas far in the south of the territory.
"Even if you level Gaza City, there's no guarantee that actually Hamas will be there," Bell says, referring to an extensive tunnel network under Gaza.
"So I do think this is back to: what is it that Netanyahu is actually trying to achieve?"
At face value, he added, it's looking "more and more likely" that the aim is to clear Palestinians out of not only the Gaza, but also the West Bank.
**Watch his comments in full below...**
## Stop the carnage, UN human rights chief tells Israel as Gaza City ground attack begins
We've had more comments from the UN human rights chief.
Earlier, Volker Turk criticised Israel's strike on Qatar last week (see our 11.26 post), which targeted Hamas leadership.
Since then, Turk has called on Israel to immediately stop its assault on Gaza City.
Speaking just hours after Israel began a ground offensive into the territory's largest city - described by Israel as a Hamas stronghold - Turk said the evidence for war crimes is mounting.
"I can only think of what it means for women, for malnourished children, for people with disabilities, if they are again attacked in this way," he told reporters in Geneva.
"And I have to say the only response to this is: stop the carnage."
He added "everyone wants an end to this", and "what we see is a further escalation, which is totally and utterly unacceptable".
"I call on Israel to stop its wanton destruction of Gaza."
**Pressure to use 'genocide' term**
A UN body report concluded today Israel has committed genocide in Gaza (see our 8am post) - a charge the country has rejected.
Turk hasn't used that term, despite pressure to do just that.
Asked if he would consider using the word to describe Israel's actions, Turk said: "We see the piling up of war crime after war crime or crime against humanity, and potentially even more.
"I mean, it's for the court to decide whether it's genocide or not, and we see the evidence mounting."
## In pictures: Huge queues of Palestinians flee Gaza City as Israeli ground offensive begins
Pictures from Gaza show a huge queue of Palestinians fleeing south down the coastal road.
They're leaving the area of Gaza City, where Israel has today begun its ground offensive to capture what it calls a Hamas stronghold.
Many fear they cannot leave the north of Gaza, with the south already overcrowded and the cost of transport high.
## Spain votes to boycott Eurovision if Israel competes
Some more news from Spain, which has been an outspoken critic of Israel's conduct in Gaza.
The board of Spanish state broadcaster RTVE has voted to withdraw from the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if Israel takes part.
Spain is the fifth country to make this pledge ahead of the May event in Vienna, after the Netherlands, Slovenia, Iceland and Ireland.
It's also the first of the so-called "Big Five" - a group also including the UK, Germany, Italy and France that chips in the most money and automatically qualifies for the event - to make the move.
The measure got 10 votes in favour, four against and one abstention.
Eurovision, which stresses political neutrality, has faced controversy this year over the war in Gaza.
Several countries had urged the European Broadcasting Union to exclude Israel from the 2025 event, during which Israeli contestant Yuval Raphael finished second.
Austrian singer JJ, who won this year, has also called for Israel to be excluded in 2026.
## Hostage relatives make urgent call for support in protest near Netanyahu's home
An "emergency order" has been issued by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum.
Relatives of hostages remaining in Gaza have been calling on Benjamin Netanyahu to end the fighting and secure the release of all captives.
But with Israel announcing the start of its ground offensive on Gaza City - part of plans to capture what it says is a Hamas stronghold - protesters have gathered near the prime minister's home in Jerusalem.
"This is an emergency order," the group said in a statement shared on social media.
"The families of the kidnapped are calling on the people of Israel to stand by us in front of the prime minister's residence and cry out: Netanyahu - stop this\!
"Do not send our soldiers on a mission to kill and lose the kidnapped."
Military achievements have already been made, they added, and now it is time for "political achievements".
"Join us to save lives, prevent the disappearance of the fallen, and bring everyone home."
## Netanyahu and two top officials named in UN report for 'inciting' genocide
As we reported in the post below this one, Isaac Herzog has criticised a UN body's report accusing Israel of genocide.
He is named in the [**report**](https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/documents/hrbodies/hrcouncil/sessions-regular/session60/advance-version/a-hrc-60-crp-3.pdf) as an Israeli official who has "incited the commission of genocide".
Former defence minister Yoav Gallant and Benjamin Netanyahu are also singled out.
Here's a look at some of their comments highlighted in the report:
**Yoav Gallant**
> On 9 October 2023, Israel's then Defence Minister Yoav Gallant announced a complete siege on Gaza, claiming that Israel was fighting "human animals" and Israel must "act accordingly". On 10 October 2023, in a speech to Israeli security forces personnel, Gallant stated, "Gaza won’t return to what it was before. There will be no Hamas. We will eliminate everything. If it doesn't take one day, it will take a week. It will take weeks or even months, we will reach all places."
**Isaac Herzog**
> On 13 October 2023, President Isaac Herzog stated, "it's an entire nation out there that is responsible. It is not true, this rhetoric about civilians who were not aware and not involved. It is absolutely not true."
**Benjamin Netanyahu**
> On 3 November 2023, Prime Minister Netanyahu published a letter to the Israeli soldiers and commanders in the war, in which he wrote, "Remember what Amalek did to you... This is a war between the sons of light and the sons of darkness… We constantly remember the sights of the horrific massacre on that Simchat Torah Shabbat, October 7, 2023." The descendants of Amalek, the Amalekites, were enemies of the Israelites in the Hebrew bible. In the Book of Samuel, God tells the Israelites, 'Now go and attack Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have; do not spare them, but kill both man and woman, child and infant, ox and sheep, camel and donkey.' The Commission notes that, in invoking Amalek in his speech, Netanyahu strengthened the idea that Israel's war in Gaza is akin to the holy war of total annihilation commanded against the Amalekites.
## Herzog rejects genocide report that singled him out for guilt
Israel's president has added his voice to the country's criticism of a UN body's report accusing it of genocide in Gaza.
Isaac Herzog, who visited the UK last week, is named in the report, compiled by a UN Commission of Inquiry,
The report concludes that "Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and then Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, have incited the commission of genocide".
Herzog has now responded - here is his statement in full:
> "Israel - and I personally - categorically reject this so-called 'report' and its disgraced authors, whose lack of legitimacy is so total that being named in their accusations is itself an endorsement of our fight for human rights.
>
> "I condemn the authors' desperate attempts to manipulate and misinterpret my words for their nefarious prejudices. Their moral acrobatics to dismiss any context, timing, or evidence that disproves their preconceived bias, is proof enough of the offence they intend to cause and of their utter disregard for the pursuit of justice.
>
> "While Israel defends its people and seeks the return of hostages, this morally bankrupt commission obsesses over blaming the Jewish state, whitewashing Hamas's atrocities, and turning victims of one of the worst massacres of modern times into the accused."
## Israel undermined regional peace in Qatar strike, UN rights chief says - as Doha demands accountability
The UN's human rights chief has been speaking this morning.
During an urgent debate at the UN's Human Rights Council in Geneva, Volker Turk accused Israel of undermining regional peace and stability with its strike on Qatar last week.
Israel targeted Hamas leadership in Doha in its attack, a move that sparked fury in Qatar - a mediator in the Gaza war - and one Benjamin Netanyahu has refused to rule out repeating.
Turk told delegates at the council: "Israel's strike on negotiators in Doha on 9 September was a shocking breach of international law, an assault on regional peace and stability, and a blow against the integrity of mediation and negotiating processes around the world."
Qatar's representative to the UN in Geneva said the strike amounts to state terrorism and called on the council to take steps to hold Israel accountable.
## Starmer: Leaders discussed 'unacceptable' Israeli strike on Qatar in call
We've had a statement come in from Downing Street a short while ago.
A spokesperson said the UK's Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer joined a video call with the leaders of Qatar, Jordan, Egypt, France and Canada yesterday afternoon.
"They discussed Israel's unacceptable strike on Doha last week, agreeing that they must redouble their efforts towards peace and a long-term solution to end the cycle of violence in the region," the spokesperson said.
"The prime minister applauded Qatar's vital mediation role and their steadfast commitment to continuing with talks, adding that the UK stands ready to support these efforts.
"They discussed the appalling situation in Gaza and made clear Israel must change course immediately by halting its ground offensive and letting in a surge of humanitarian aid without delay.
"This is the only way to make progress towards a ceasefire and secure the release of the hostages", they added.
## Spain summons Israeli envoy over foreign minister's 'antisemite' comment
Spain has summoned Israel's acting ambassador to the country for the second time in less than a week.
This time, Dana Erlich has been called in Madrid over comments made by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar towards Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez.
Yesterday, Sanchez called for Israel to be banned from international sporting events over its actions in Gaza.
Saar responded by calling the Spanish leader an "antisemite and a liar".
Spain has been an outspoken critic of Israel's war in Gaza.
On Sunday, thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters in Madrid disrupted the final leg of a top cycling event because an Israeli team was taking part.
The race's finale was cancelled as a result.
Erlich was also summoned late last week after Benjamin Netanyahu accused Sanchez of making "genocidal threats", in reference to Spain's measures against Israel-bound arms and fuel deliveries.
**Watch the moment the Tour of Spain bike race is cut short by protests...**
## In pictures: Palestinians flee south as Israel begins ground assault on Gaza City
Displaced Palestinians have been seen leaving northern parts of Gaza.
These images from this morning show some carrying their belongings south along the coastal road, as Israel announced an expanded operation in Gaza City.
## Analysis: Genocide report a significant moment - but Israel will take no notice
A UN body's report accusing Israel of genocide is a "very significant" moment, says our [**Middle East correspondent Adam Parsons**](https://news.sky.com/author/adam-parsons-585).
Speaking from Jerusalem, he highlights this is the first time a UN body has made the allegation against Israel.
"There have been comments before, there have been people calling for this to be investigated - but this is the first time that a UN body has said definitively, in their opinion, genocide is being committed," he said.
Failing just one of the five criteria - as listed in the Genocide Convention - passes the threshold of genocide.
This report claims Israel has failed four.
It accuses Israel of indiscriminate killing, adding children have been directly targeted.
It also says that there has been an effort to stymie the growth of the Palestinian population, and accuses Israel of sexual crimes.
**Schism between Israel and UN**
The International Criminal Court has already issued warrants for the arrest of Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defence minister Yoav Gallant.
"Israel has no time for the United Nations at all," Parsons said.
"There is a schism between Israel and the UN. Israel has long claimed the UN have been biased against it and has described this report as Hamas propaganda, and says that it is antisemitic.
"So the Israelis will not, frankly, take any notice of this. It will not stop their conduct."
Instead, Israel will regard this as "further evidence that the international community is biased against them", Parsons added.
"That is how Netanyahu will sell it to his supporters."
## Ground forces moving deeper into Gaza City, says Israel
Israel will gradually increase the number of troops in Gaza City, according to a military official.
They will join forces already there, who are advancing deeper into Gaza City and moving towards the centre, the official said.
They added the military is prepared to continue operations for as long as necessary to defeat Hamas.
Operations in Gaza City will be done swiftly yet safely, the official said, prioritising the safety of hostages and civilians.
The military estimates 40% of Gaza City residents have already moved south, where it will expand "humanitarian efforts", according to the official.
## 'All bets are off' if Hamas uses hostages as human shields, says Trump
Donald Trump posted a new warning for Hamas late last night.
He said he had just read a news report claiming Hamas is moving hostages above ground to use them as human shields against Israel's ground offensive.
He said he hopes Hamas leaders "know what they're getting into" if they do that.
"This is a human atrocity, the likes of which few people have ever seen before," he wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social.
"Don't let this happen or, ALL 'BETS' ARE OFF. RELEASE ALL HOSTAGES NOW!"
## Israeli response 'so boring' and 'from ChatGPT', says genocide report author
One of the authors of a UN body's report accusing Israel of genocide has criticised the country's response.
Chris Sidoti, one of the three human rights experts behind the report (see our 8am post for more on that), said Israeli responses have become "so boring".
Israel said the authors are "serving as Hamas proxies", in response to the report.
"You know, they say the same thing every time," Sidoti said.
"They're producing responses by ChatGPT these days. And they spend so much money in the Foreign Ministry on propaganda, you think that they would actually come up with something original."
He said he would want them to "engage with the evidence", but "they never engage with the evidence".
"They put the report into ChatGPT and then they put out the standard response," he said.
"So, no one takes it seriously."
## Trump: Israel won't hit Qatar again
After Israel struck Qatar last week in an attempt to kill Hamas leadership there, Benjamin Netanyahu refused to rule out future attacks.
US secretary of state Marco Rubio is in Qatar today and hopes to keep the country onside as a mediator in the conflict.
And Qatar, furious at the Israeli strike, has been told by Donald Trump Israel won't attack again.
Describing the Gulf state as a "very good ally" to the US, Trump said "he won't be hitting Qatar", referring to Netanyahu.
He also said he was not informed by the Israeli prime minister in advance about Israel's attack - that's despite an Axios report saying Netanyahu informed the US president of the strike shortly ahead of time.
Trump's team has said it was notified only after missiles were in the air, giving Trump no opportunity to oppose the strike.
## Israel rejects UN body's genocide accusation
Israel has responded to a new report accusing it of genocide in Gaza - see our 8am post.
It's the first time a UN body has made allegations of genocide against Israel.
But the country said the report relies "entirely on Hamas falsehoods, laundered and repeated by others".
Those "fabrications" have already been "thoroughly debunked", it added, referring to a study by thinktank the Begin-Sadat Center for Strategic Studies.
It has accused the three authors of the report as serving as Hamas proxies.
"In stark contrast to the lies in the report, Hamas is the party that attempted genocide in Israel murdering 1,200 people, raping women, burning families alive, and openly declaring its goal of killing every Jew," it added.
"Israel categorically rejects this distorted and false report and calls for the immediate abolition of this commission of inquiry." | ||||||
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