Israel Launches Ground Offensive in Gaza, Bombs Hamas Tunnels Following Communications Shutdown

Israel has expanded its ground operation in Gaza with infantry and armored vehicles along with massive airstrikes and sea strikes. One of the main targets is the bombing of Hamas tunnels, as Israel seeks to crush the ruling group of the territory after their previous incursion into Israel. The bombardment, which has been described as the most intense of the war by Gaza residents, has also resulted in the widespread disruption of communications in Gaza, effectively cutting off the 2.3 million people in the enclave from the outside world. This has allowed the Israeli military to control the narrative in this new stage of the conflict.

Images released by the military showed tank columns moving in Gaza and warplanes bombing numerous Hamas tunnels and underground bunkers. The army spokesperson indicated that the forces were still on the ground and continuing the war, suggesting that an all-out ground offensive in northern Gaza was about to begin. Previously, Israel had already amassed a large number of troops along the border but had only conducted brief nightly ground incursions before returning to Israel.

The death toll in Gaza has risen to over 7,700 people since October 7, with 377 deaths reported since late Friday. The majority of those killed have been women and minors. The bombardment has also caused a severe disruption of communication, leaving the health network in Gaza paralyzed. Residents have no way of calling ambulances, and emergency teams are struggling to search for people in need without communication. Some civilians have been using their bare hands to rescue injured people and transport them to the hospital.

Israel claims that their strikes target Hamas fighters and infrastructure and that militants deliberately operate from within civilian areas, putting them at risk. Meanwhile, terrified civilians in Gaza are huddling in their homes and shelters with limited supplies of food and water, as electricity remains cut off. Over 1.4 million people have been displaced from their homes, with many seeking refuge in UN schools and shelters. Aid workers say that the amount of aid allowed by Israel is far from sufficient, and Gaza hospitals are struggling due to a lack of fuel for generators that power life-saving equipment.

In addition to the ground offensive, Israel has also been facing new concerns regarding the hostages taken by militants on October 7. Relatives of the hostages gathered in Tel Aviv demanding to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Some protesters called for Israel to secure the release of all hostages before proceeding with the campaign against Hamas. The families of the hostages feel neglected and are demanding answers and support from the government.

The Egyptian President, Abdel Fattah el-Sissi, stated that his government is working towards de-escalating the conflict through talks with the warring parties to release prisoners and hostages. However, no further details have been provided.

The ongoing conflict has raised concerns about the possibility of a wider regional war, as Arab nations, including US allies and those with peace deals or normalized ties with Israel, have expressed alarm over the potential ground invasion. The situation remains highly volatile, with no clear endgame in sight for the invasion and its impact on the governance of Gaza.

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