Israel has announced a significant expansion of ground operations in Gaza, coupled with extensive airstrikes on hundreds of Hamas targets, marking what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu termed as the second phase of a three-week-old conflict.
After a prolonged blackout that severely affected rescue efforts, telephone and internet communications in Gaza have been partially restored. Despite the blackout, the resilience of Gaza's residents, particularly those involved in the resistance, has been notable. Shaban Ahmed, a public servant in Gaza City, expressed pride in the resistance's efforts to halt the advancing forces.
Ahmed, like many others, discovered the tragic fate of his cousin, who fell victim to an airstrike on Friday, only once communication was reestablished on Sunday.
According to the Israeli Defence Force (IDF), over 450 military targets belonging to Hamas, including command centers, observation posts, and anti-tank missile launch sites, were struck by IDF fighter jets in the Gaza Strip.
At a briefing, military spokesman Daniel Hagari stated, "We are gradually expanding the ground activity and the scope of our forces in the Gaza Strip. We will do everything we can from the air, sea and land to ensure the safety of our forces and achieve the goals of the war."
Israel has maintained a stringent blockade and conducted airstrikes on Gaza since the Oct. 7 cross-border attack by Hamas militants, resulting in a significant loss of life.
Medical authorities in Gaza reported that 8,005 Palestinians, including 3,324 minors, have lost their lives in Israel's campaign against the Iran-backed Hamas militants. While Western countries generally support Israel's right to self-defense, there is mounting international concern over the civilian toll, with calls for a "humanitarian pause" to allow aid to reach Gaza's population.
White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan emphasized the need for Israel to take every possible measure to differentiate between Palestinian civilians and Hamas militants in Gaza. He also urged Prime Minister Netanyahu to address extremist Jewish settler violence against innocent individuals in the occupied West Bank.
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