Gaza Endures Communication Blackout and Intensified Israeli Attacks

The Israeli military has expanded its ground incursion into Gaza, urging Palestinian civilians to move to the southern part of the strip. The exact number of soldiers involved remains unclear, but the military spokesperson stated that they were gradually expanding their ground activity according to plan. The death toll in Gaza since October 7 has surpassed 8,000 people, including 3,342 children. Israel has also responded to attacks from the north and targeted Hezbollah in Lebanon. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Britain's foreign secretary affirmed Israel's right to self-defense and discussed efforts to prevent the conflict's spread and secure the release of hostages. Israel has committed to allowing more humanitarian aid into Gaza, but insists on inspecting each shipment. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu initially blamed the security establishment for failing to stop the Hamas attack, but later apologized.