Israel intensifies Gaza assault and severs communications across territory

IDF announces escalation of air and ground operations as UN warns besieged territory faces ‘massive health hazard’

Israeli air and ground forces are stepping up their operations in the Gaza Strip, Israel’s chief military spokesperson said late on Friday, amid exceptionally heavy bombing and a communications blackout across the embattled terrritory.

After nightfall, frequent explosions from airstrikes lit up the sky over Gaza City. The Red Crescent and other aid groups said they had lost all contact with their staff inside the besieged territory. The Palestinian phone service provider, Paltel, said its phone connections and internet services had been cut off.