Dhaka, Sept. 17 -- Israel launched its long-anticipated ground offensive in Gaza City on Tuesday, targeting Hamas militants and prompting widespread international alarm, with the UN condemning it as "carnage".

A United Nations commission accused Israel of committing "genocide" in the Palestinian territory, saying Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other senior officials had incited the crime. The Israeli military unleashed a massive bombardment of Gaza City overnight as its troops moved deeper into the territory's largest urban hub.

"Over the past 24 hours, following extensive discussions with the political echelon, the IDF (military) has significantly expanded its operation in Gaza City," said army chief Lieutenant General Eyal Zami...