By yourNEWS Media Staff
JERUSALEM – Communication infrastructure in Gaza experienced disruptions on Saturday. Israeli aircrafts conducted further bombing raids and statements from Israeli military officials indicated intensification of operations against Hamas in Gaza.
Israeli armed forces chief, Herzi Halevi stated, “This war has stages and today we are moving to the next stage. Our forces are currently operating on the ground in the Gaza Strip.”
Following an attack by Hamas on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of 1,400 Israelis, Israel has taken strong actions against Gaza for three weeks. Many Western nations have supported Israel’s right to self-defense, but have also expressed concerns about the impact of these operations on the citizens of Gaza.
Health agencies in Gaza have reported 7,650 Palestinian casualties due to the Israeli campaign. There are reports of significant shortages of food, water, fuel, and medicines. Moreover, phone and internet services were reported to have been cut off from Friday, worsening the situation for the residents.
A journalist from Gaza described a challenging night, witnessing bombing and exchanges of fire between Israeli forces and Palestinian fighters.
Israel has made statements suggesting its troops, which entered Gaza on Friday, are focusing on various infrastructure including tunnels constructed by Hamas. Defence Minister Yoav Gallant commented, “We attacked above the ground and under ground, we attacked terror operatives of all ranks, everywhere.”
International concerns about the situation in Gaza continue to rise. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres remarked, “A humanitarian catastrophe is unfolding in front of our eyes.”
Communication with aid agencies in Gaza has been challenging. However, William Schomburg from the International Committees of the Red Cross and Red Crescent in Gaza managed to relay a message. He described the medical teams working tirelessly, often facing personal losses.
Elon Musk offered assistance through his Starlink satellite network to facilitate communications for recognized aid organizations in Gaza.
Footage from the Israeli side depicted explosions in Gaza among ruined buildings. Broadcasts have indicated airstrikes around Gaza’s main hospital, Al Shifa. While Israel has claimed Hamas uses the hospital as a shield, Hamas has denied these allegations.
Hamas commented that it had been in discussions with Israel regarding hostages in Gaza, but the talks weren’t progressing as hoped.
The Israeli military released footage of its operations, including tanks inside Gaza’s territory. They also reported the elimination of Asem Abu Rakaba, head of Hamas’ aerial wing.
Further operations by jets targeted underground sites in Gaza, including Hamas tunnels. The al-Qassam brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, confirmed confrontations with Israeli troops in various parts of Gaza.
International responses to the situation have been varied. While Western nations have largely supported Israel, they’ve also recommended restraint from a full ground offensive due to potential high casualties. The complexities of the region, with Hamas receiving backing from Iran and Iran’s influence in other Middle Eastern countries, has further international implications.
There were reports of new skirmishes on the border with Lebanon, adding to the tensions in the area. Egypt’s President, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, highlighted the volatility, saying, “The region will become a ticking time bomb that impacts us all.”
Demonstrations in support of Palestinians were reported in various cities across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Camille Revuelta, a protester in London, emphasized, “This is not about Hamas. This is about protecting Palestinian lives.”
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