Israeli forces have intensified their ground push into Gaza City, cutting off phone and internet services for hours on Thursday in a move that signals a potential escalation toward the city center.
Tanks advanced from the eastern suburbs, where Israel has maintained control, and launched fresh bombardments on Sheikh Radwan and Tel Al-Hawa. These positions pave the way for an advance into central and western districts, where most residents are sheltering amid ruins.
In a parallel development, the Israeli military struck Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon. On the Allenby Crossing between the Israeli-occupied West Bank and Jordan, an attack claimed the lives of two Israelis, which the military described as a terror operation.
The Palestinian Telecommunications Company said its main network routes were hit "due to the ongoing aggression and the targeting of the main network routes." By nightfall, fixed internet and landline services were partially restored, although connectivity remains fragile.
"The disconnection of internet and phone services is a bad omen. It has always been a bad signal something very brutal is going to happen," said Ismail, one Gaza resident. Hundreds of thousands have fled since August 10, but many remain in damaged homes or makeshift tents.
Israel has dropped leaflets urging residents to move south to designated "humanitarian zones." Aid agencies report these areas lack sufficient food, medicine, shelter and basic hygiene, while the World Health Organization warns Gaza hospitals could run out of blood within days.
The health ministry says 435 people, including 147 children, have died of malnutrition and starvation since the conflict began. Israel contends that Hamas is prolonging the war and could end it by surrendering and disarming, a demand Hamas rejects without the promise of a Palestinian state.
As telecom lines flicker back to life, the blackout underscores the vulnerability of civilians in modern conflicts and raises urgent questions about access to critical information and aid.
Reference(s):
Israeli operations cause Gaza telecom blackout, strikes in Lebanon
cgtn.com
