Gaza’s communication with the outside world was severely limited as Israeli airstrikes intensified and a ground offensive against Hamas militants appeared imminent. Israeli troops, previously only conducting brief sorties, were now actively engaged in the field. Defence Minister Yoav Gallant stated that they had targeted terror operatives of all ranks. Israel warned Gaza’s population to move away from the north, claiming that Hamas was hiding under civilian buildings. However, Palestinians argued that nowhere in the territory was safe, as bombs were also hitting homes in the south. Phone and internet services in Gaza were almost completely cut off, leading to a humanitarian catastrophe. The blackout hindered ambulances, evacuations, and communication for aid agencies. Despite the challenges, medics continued to work tirelessly, even while dealing with personal tragedies. Journalists who managed to report from Gaza described the situation as hellish, with no means of communication or access to essential services. Elon Musk offered assistance through his Starlink satellite network to support communications for recognized aid organizations in Gaza.
Video footage from the Israeli side showed explosions and ruined buildings in Gaza. Al Jazeera reported that airstrikes had targeted areas around the main hospital, Al Shifa, although Israel accused Hamas of using the hospital as a shield. Reports of strikes on the hospital could not be independently verified. Palestinians resorted to using their cars to transport the dead and injured to hospitals. Relatives of hostages taken during the previous Hamas assault demanded a meeting with the Israeli government to address concerns about the safety of the hostages. Israel released footage of its forces, including tanks, inside Gaza, as rockets continued to be fired at Israel from the enclave. The head of Hamas’ aerial wing was killed in the airstrikes.
Israeli jets targeted underground infrastructure, including tunnels, combat spaces, and other facilities in north Gaza. The armed wing of Hamas, the al-Qassam brigades, stated that its fighters were engaged in combat with Israeli troops in Beit Hanoun and Al-Bureij. The United States and other Western countries expressed support for Israel but urged caution to avoid high casualties among Palestinians and a broader conflict. Hamas is backed by Iran, which also supports militias in other countries in the region. The Israeli military reported an exchange of fire on the border with Lebanon, and Egypt experienced drone incidents. Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi warned that the region was becoming a ticking time bomb. Pro-Palestinian demonstrations took place in cities across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, with participants emphasizing the importance of protecting Palestinian lives.
The article was reported by James Mackenzie and Nidal al-Mughrabi, with additional reporting by various individuals. It was written by Philippa Fletcher and Andrew Cawthorne, and edited by Alison Williams. The article adheres to the Thomson RushHourDaily Trust Principles.
