Gaza Strip Cut Off from the World as Israel Expands Ground Operations

The Gaza Strip has been cut off from the outside world after internet and phone services collapsed under intensified bombardment. The Israeli military has announced it is expanding its ground operations in the besieged territory.

The Gaza Strip's internet and phone services collapsed under intensified bombardment Friday night, largely cutting off its 2.3 million people from the outside world and each other. The Israeli military announced it was "expanding" its ground operations in the besieged territory.

Mounting Casualties and Humanitarian Crisis

The Palestinian death toll in Gaza has soared past 7,300, according to officials there. A blockade on Gaza has meant dwindling supplies of food, fuel, water, and medicine. Gazan hospitals have been struggling to provide basic services due to fuel shortages.

Hamas and Israel's Claims

Israel has accused Hamas of using civilian areas to launch attacks and has released photos showing what it claims are Hamas installations in and around Gaza's largest hospital, al-Shifa. Hamas has denied these claims and accused Israel of attempting to justify striking the medical facility.

International Involvement and Regional Tensions

The United States has sent two aircraft carrier strike groups to the region to deter Iran and its allies from entering the war. Lebanon's Iranian-backed Hezbollah has traded fire with Israel along the border. In Egypt, a drone crashed into a building near the border with Israel, and a "strange object" landed near a power station.

The situation in Gaza remains critical, with the Israeli military expanding its ground operations and the humanitarian crisis worsening. The conflict has threatened to ignite a wider war across the region, and the international community is closely monitoring developments.