Israel has officially launched a ground offensive into Gaza City, drawing widespread international condemnation.

Residents reported on Thursday seeing Israeli tanks in key areas leading to the city center, while a complete communications blackout – cutting off internet and phone lines across the Gaza Strip – signaled an imminent escalation of ground operations, according to Reuters.

In the past 24 hours, at least 79 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli strikes or gunfire, most in Gaza City, the territory's health ministry said.

International condemnation

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned on Tuesday that Gaza City is undergoing "systematic destruction," calling the situation as "morally, politically and legally intolerable." The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights also urged Israel to stop the "wanton destruction of Gaza."

China voiced strong opposition on Wednesday. Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Lin Jian said China firmly opposes Israel's escalation of military operations in Gaza and condemns all moves that harm civilians and violate international law.

Arab states also issued sharp criticism – Jordan called the operation as a "flagrant breach of international and humanitarian law," Qatar deemed it an extension of a "war of genocide," and Egypt warned that Israel's "reckless" assault would lead to catastrophic consequences. Saudi Arabia condemned the offensive "in the strongest possible terms."

European governments echoed the condemnation. Germany said Israel is "on the wrong path." Both France and Britain called for an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages.

The European Commission has proposed raising tariffs on some Israeli goods and imposing sanctions on some Israeli ministers, though these measures may face opposition from some EU nations such as Germany, Italy, Poland, Hungary and Austria, according to Politico.

Pope Leo XIV also expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people, renewing his appeal for a ceasefire, the release of hostages and compliance with international law.

Palestinian death toll surpasses 65,000

The Israel Defense Forces opened an additional evacuation route for Palestinians to leave Gaza City on Wednesday, available for 48 hours. An Israeli official warned that fighting is expected to intensify over the next month or two.

The total Palestinian death toll in the two-year conflict between Israel and Hamas surpassed 65,000 on Wednesday, according to the Gaza health authorities.

(With input from agencies)