Israel says Gaza ground offensive has expanded into urban refugee camps
- New battle zone threatens further destruction in a war that Israel says will last for ‘many months’
- Israel is determined to destroy Hamas despite global calls for a ceasefire in the 11-week-old war
Israeli forces on Tuesday expanded their ground offensive into urban refugee camps in central Gaza after bombarding the crowded Palestinian communities and ordering residents to evacuate.
Gaza’s main telecoms provider announced another “complete interruption” of services in the besieged territory.
The military’s announcement of the new battle zone threatens further destruction in a war that Israel says will last for “many months” as it vows to crush the ruling Hamas militant group after its October 7 attack.
Israeli forces have been engaged in heavy urban fighting in northern Gaza and the southern city of Khan Younis, driving Palestinians into ever-smaller areas in search of refuge.
The US said Israel’s minister for strategic affairs, Ron Dermer, was meeting with Secretary of State Antony Blinken and national security adviser Jake Sullivan to discuss topics including transitioning to a different phase of the war to maximise focus on high-value Hamas targets, improving the humanitarian situation, and planning for governance and security in Gaza after the war.
Despite US calls for Israel to curb civilian casualties and international pressure for a ceasefire, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the military was deepening the fighting.