Israel launches ground offensive deep inside Gaza City | First Thing

Benjamin Netanyahu says goals of offensive are defeating the enemy and evacuating the population'. Plus, suspect in Charlie Kirk killing charged with aggravated murder

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Good morning.

Israel began its long-threatened ground offensive in Gaza City on Tuesday, sending tanks and remote-controlled armoured cars packed with explosives into its streets, in defiance of international criticism and a UN commission of inquiry's finding that it was committing genocide in the Palestinian territory.

What are Palestinians in Gaza City reporting? Many have been forcibly displaced numerous times in unbearable" conditions and some say they will remain in Gaza City despite the risks. Fatima al-Zahra Sahweil, a researcher, said: There is not a single day without bombings and deaths in the south, even in the so-called humanitarian zones that the army declared. So, would I just be running from death to death?"

This is a developing story. Follow on our liveblog.

Why have prosecutors said they will pursue the death penalty? Gray said the aggravating circumstances were the 31-year-old Kirk's political expression" and the fact that children were present to witness the killing.

What do we know about Robinson's possible motivations? He is alleged to have sent a text message to his roommate reading: I had enough of his hatred. Some hate can't be negotiated out."