Israel Intensifies Aerial and Ground Operations in Gaza, Disrupting Communication Networks

In an escalated offensive on Friday night, Israel disabled internet and telecommunications in the Gaza Strip, effectively severing the region’s 2.3 million inhabitants from both internal and external communication. This led to an almost complete information blackout as the Israeli military announced the expansion of its ground activities in the territory.

The amplification of military operations signifies a move towards a full-scale invasion of Gaza. The Israeli government has pledged to dismantle the ruling Hamas militant organization, following a violent intrusion into southern Israel three weeks prior.

Persistent airstrikes illuminated the night sky over Gaza City, causing “total disruption” in internet, mobile, and landline services, according to Palestinian telecommunications provider, Paltel. Consequently, information about casualties and ground operations was rendered largely inaccessible, although some satellite phones remained operational.

The Palestinian population, already deprived of electricity for weeks, found themselves further isolated. Essential supplies such as food and water have grown increasingly scarce as residents seek refuge in homes and shelters.

Relatives residing outside of Gaza experienced heightened concern as their communication links with family members within the region suddenly ceased.

Wafaa Abdul Rahman, director of a West Bank-based feminist organization in Ramallah, expressed grave concern, highlighting the chilling impact of the information blackout on the visibility of humanitarian conditions.

Lynn Hastings, U.N. humanitarian coordinator for the occupied territories, indicated that the absence of phone and internet services would cripple hospital and relief operations. Similarly, the Red Crescent reported difficulties in contacting medical personnel, causing rescuers to rely on auditory clues from explosions to locate the injured.

The Committee to Protect Journalists raised an alarm, cautioning that the vacuum in information could become a breeding ground for harmful propaganda and misinformation.

Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari confirmed that ground forces were intensifying operations, targeting Hamas operatives and infrastructures while acknowledging that these were situated in civilian areas, thereby placing civilians at risk.

Hamas media reported vigorous nighttime confrontations with Israeli forces along the border fence, although the Israeli military refrained from commenting on this aspect.

Israel has amassed significant troop numbers near the border, anticipating a likely ground offensive. As the conflict continues, the death toll in Gaza has surpassed 7,300, a majority being women and minors, as per the local Health Ministry.

Over 1,400 lives have been lost in Israel due to an attack by Hamas on October 7, with at least 229 hostages taken into Gaza. Rocket attacks from Palestinian militants into Israel have also been incessant, injuring multiple civilians.

The conflict threatens to escalate into a larger regional war, drawing concern from Arab nations, some of which have diplomatic ties with Israel. Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi warned of an impending humanitarian disaster if the situation continues to deteriorate.

The United States has also conducted airstrikes in eastern Syria, targeting locations associated with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, following a series of attacks against American forces. Concurrently, mysterious explosions in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula have injured six individuals. While the source remains uncertain, Israel has implicated Iranian-backed Houthi rebels from Yemen.

The discontinuation of internet and telecommunications services exacerbates an already dire humanitarian situation, as Gaza’s medical and aid infrastructure verges on collapse. Over 1.4 million residents have been displaced, with a large number seeking refuge in U.N. facilities. Israel contends that any incoming fuel would likely be seized by Hamas for its military operations, further complicating the crisis.

Israel’s Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, anticipates a prolonged and challenging ground offensive targeting Hamas’s extensive tunnel network. Though Israel’s objective is to incapacitate Hamas, the strategy and endgame remain ambiguous.

The article was reported by Federman from Tel Aviv and Mroue from Beirut, with contributions from Najib Jobain in Rafah, Gaza Strip; Jack Jeffery in Cairo; Isabel DeBre in Jerusalem; and Brian Melley in London.

The story has been updated to correct the name of the Hamas spokesman, Salama Maroof.

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