Israel-Gaza war: Israel moves on to ‘next stage of war’ as ground operation expands
- Comments by Israel’s defence minister signalled the gradual ramp up towards what is expected to evolve into an all-out ground offensive in northern Gaza
- The bombardment largely cut off Gaza’s 2.3 million people from the world, while letting Israel control the narrative in a new stage of fighting
Israel on Saturday expanded its ground operation in Gaza with infantry and armoured vehicles backed by massive strikes from the air and sea, including the bombing of Hamas tunnels – a key target in its campaign to crush the territory’s ruling group after its bloody incursion in Israel three weeks ago.
The bombardment, described by Gaza residents as the most intense of the war, also knocked out most communications in Gaza. This largely cut off the besieged enclave’s 2.3 million people from the world, while enabling the Israeli military to control the narrative in a new stage of fighting.
The military released grainy images on Saturday showing tank columns moving slowly in open areas of Gaza, many apparently near the border, and said warplanes bombed dozens of Hamas tunnels and underground bunkers.
“We moved to the next stage in the war,” Israel’s Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said on Saturday. “Last evening, the ground shook in Gaza. We attacked above ground and underground. The instructions to the forces are clear. The campaign will continue until further notice.”