Gaza Strip Cut Off from Outside World as Israel Expands Ground Operations

The militarys announcement signaled it was moving closer to an all-out invasion of Gaza, where it has vowed to crush the ruling Hamas militant group after its bloody incursion in southern Israel three weeks ago.

The Israeli military announced Friday night that it was "expanding" ground operations in the besieged Gaza Strip, signaling a move closer to an all-out invasion. The announcement came as internet, phone, and landline services collapsed in the territory, largely cutting off its 2.3 million people from the outside world and each other.

Casualties Unknown, Blackout Hampers Rescue Efforts

The blackout caused by the bombardment made it difficult to assess the casualties from new airstrikes. The Red Crescent said it could not reach its medical teams, and residents could no longer call ambulances. International aid groups reported being able to reach only a few staff members using satellite phones.

Fear and Panic Among Families

Relatives outside Gaza panicked after their messaging chats with families inside suddenly went dead and calls stopped going through. They expressed fear about what would happen to their loved ones in the face of a total blackout and the potential for even more intense attacks.

Israeli Military Spokesman: Ground Forces Expanding Activity

Israeli military spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, said ground forces were "expanding their activity" in Gaza and acting "with great force ... to achieve the objectives of the war." Israel maintains that its strikes target Hamas fighters and infrastructure and that the militants operate among civilians, putting them in danger.

Hamas Defeat and Endgame Unclear

Israel has said it aims to crush Hamas rule in Gaza and its ability to threaten Israel, but how Hamas's defeat will be measured and the endgame of an invasion remain unclear. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has suggested that a long-term insurgency could ensue.

Mounting Casualties and Humanitarian Crisis

The Palestinian death toll in Gaza has surpassed 7,300, with more than 60% of them being minors and women. The blockade on Gaza has led to dwindling supplies, and the U.N. has warned that its aid operation is "crumbling" amid near-depleted fuel. In Israel, more than 1,400 people have been killed in Hamas rocket attacks.

Potential for Wider Conflict

The conflict has threatened to ignite a wider war across the region. U.S. warplanes struck targets in eastern Syria linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guard, and mysterious explosions hit Red Sea coastal towns in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula. Israel blamed Yemen's Iranian-backed Houthi rebels for the explosions.

Fears of Higher Casualties in Ground Invasion

A ground invasion is expected to cause even higher casualties as Israeli forces and Hamas battle in dense residential areas. Gazan hospitals are struggling to provide medical care due to fuel shortages, and Israel has accused Hamas of confiscating fuel and using generators to pump air into its tunnels.

Hamas Rejects Israeli Claims, Warns of Attack on Hospital

Hamas media chief Salama Moussa dismissed Israeli claims about Hamas installations in and around Gaza's largest hospital, al-Shifa, calling them "lies" and a precursor to an attack on the facility. The hospital is overwhelmed with patients and wounded, and thousands of displaced Gaza residents have sought shelter there.

U.N. Warns of Collapsing Public Services and Hunger

The U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees reported that it has been forced to ration fuel and only has enough for a few more days. The siege on Gaza is leading to a collective punishment of its population, with basic commodities like food, water, and fuel being used to inflict suffering. Public services are collapsing, and for the first time, people are reporting hunger, according to U.N. workers in Gaza.