The Israeli military launched its ground offensive Monday to occupy Gaza City, but this could endanger the lives of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza, reports Axios.

On Monday evening local time, the Israeli air force conducted massive airstrikes in Gaza City. Shortly after, Israeli tanks entered the city, according to Palestinian press reports in Gaza.

The Israeli offensive started hours after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and senior members of his Cabinet 

We have to remember who we're dealing with here—and that is a group of people that have dedicated their lives to violence and barbarism," Rubio said at a briefing with Netanyahu.

Two Israeli officials said Rubio told Netanyahu that the Trump administration supports the ground operation but wants to see it implemented quickly, ending as soon as possible.

"It's not Trump's war, it's Bibi's war, and he will own whatever happens next," the US official told reporters.

As the Israeli tanks were making their way into Gaza City, Trump warned Hamas not to harm the 20 live Israeli hostages it's still holding.

Trump referred to a news report by the Israeli public broadcaster KAN that Hamas has moved hostages aboveground to use them as human shields against Israel's ground offensive.

"I hope the Leaders of Hamas know what they're getting into if they do such a thing. This is a human atrocity, the likes of which few people have ever seen before. Don't let this happen or, ALL 'BETS' ARE OFF. RELEASE ALL HOSTAGES NOW!" Trump wrote on Truth Social.

And Netanyahu issued a statement in response thanking Trump for his "unflinching support for Israel's battle against Hamas and the release of all our hostages."