Israel expands ground operation in Gaza and bombs Hamas tunnels after knocking out communications
Israel on Saturday expanded its ground operation in Gaza with infantry and armoured vehicles backed by massive strikes from the air and sea, including the bombing of Hamas tunnels — a key target in its campaign to crush the territory's ruling group after its bloody incursion in Israel three weeks ago. The bombardment, described by Gaza residents as the most intense of the war, also knocked out most communications in Gaza.
This largely cut off the besieged enclave's 2.3 million people from the world, while enabling the Israeli military to control the narrative in a new stage of fighting.
The military released grainy images Saturday showing tank columns moving slowly in open areas of Gaza, many apparently near the border, and said warplanes bombed dozens of Hamas tunnels and underground bunkers.
«The forces are still on the ground and are continuing the war,» said the army spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, indicating that the next stage has begun in what is expected to evolve into an all-out ground offensive in northern Gaza.
Early in the war, Israel had already amassed hundreds of thousands of troops along the border.
Until now, troops had conducted brief nightly ground incursions before returning to Israel.
The Palestinian death toll in Gaza on Saturday rose to just over 7,700 people since October 7, with 377 deaths reported since late Friday, according to the territory's Health Ministry.
A majority of those killed have been women and minors, the ministry said.
Ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qidra told reporters that the disruption of communications has «totally paralysed» the health network.
Residents had no way of calling ambulances, and emergency teams were chasing the sounds of artillery barrages and
