Israel steps up air and ground attacks in Gaza and cuts off the territory’s communications
LA TimesIsrael knocked out internet and other communications in the Gaza Strip in stepped-up bombardment Friday night, largely cutting off its 2.3 million people from the outside world and one another, as Israel’s military said it was expanding ground operations in the besieged territory. The military’s 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. It “will take a long time” to dismantle Hamas’ vast tunnel network, he said, adding that he expected a lengthy phase of lower-intensity fighting as Israel destroys “pockets of resistance.” His comments pointed to a potentially grueling and open-ended new phase of the war after three weeks of relentless bombardment. Speaking at Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, Hamas media chief Salama Maroof called Israel’s claims “lies” and said they were “a precursor for striking this facility.” “I ring the alarm bell. Asked whether the military plans to target Shifa, Hagari said, “We will not be able to allow terror activity against Israel from hospitals and we will have to, together with the rest of the world, confront this red flag.” He said Hamas uses “its own population as a human shield.” Hundreds of thousands remain in northern Gaza, despite Israel ordering them to evacuate to the south and saying that those who remain might be considered “accomplices” of Hamas.