Israel is intensifying its ground operation in Gaza, deploying infantry and armored vehicles while conducting substantial airstrikes from both the air and sea, according to Rear Adm.
Daniel Hagari, the Israeli military spokesman, who stated that “the forces remain on the ground and the conflict continues.” Previously, Israeli troops had engaged in brief nightly ground incursions before returning to Israel.
Earlier on that Saturday, the military had released videos depicting columns of armored vehicles moving slowly across open sandy areas in Gaza, which serves as visual confirmation of ground troops. Warplanes also carried out airstrikes targeting numerous Hamas tunnels and underground bunkers.
This marks a significant escalation in Israel’s efforts to neutralize the ruling militant group in Gaza, following a violent incursion into southern Israel three weeks earlier. It also signifies a growing possibility of a full-scale invasion of Gaza by Israel.
On Friday night, Hagari had stated that ground forces were “expanding their operations” in Gaza and were using significant force to achieve their war objectives. Israel has positioned hundreds of thousands of troops along the border.
During the night and into Saturday, Israeli warplanes targeted 150 tunnels and underground bunkers in northern Gaza, with a particular focus on Hamas’ extensive underground installations, many of which are located under Gaza City in the northern part of the territory. These installations are considered crucial targets in the offensive.
As part of the escalated bombing campaign, Israel also disrupted communications, effectively causing a blackout of information, which has isolated the 2.3 million people in besieged Gaza from the outside world. With most electricity already cut off weeks ago, Palestinians found themselves in darkness and isolation, relying on dwindling food and water supplies. Attempts to contact Gaza residents by phone were largely unsuccessful on Saturday.
Explosions from continuous airstrikes illuminated the sky over Gaza City for hours after nightfall on Friday.
Paltel, the Palestinian telecom provider, reported that the bombardment led to a “total disruption” of internet, mobile, and landline services. This disruption made it impossible to immediately ascertain casualties from the airstrikes and receive details about ground incursions. Some satellite phones remained functional.
Family members outside Gaza experienced anxiety as their messaging chats with relatives inside abruptly ceased, and calls stopped going through.
Wafaa Abdul Rahman, the director of a feminist organization based in the West Bank city of Ramallah, expressed her concern, stating that she hadn’t heard from her family in central Gaza for hours. She said, “We’ve been witnessing these horrifying incidents and massacres as they happen live on TV. So, what will happen now with a complete blackout?” She was referring to the scenes of families enduring airstrikes in their homes over the past few weeks.
Israel maintains that its airstrikes target Hamas fighters and infrastructure, alleging that militants operate among civilians, putting them at risk.