Israeli air and Ground forces are intensifying their operations in the Gaza Strip, according to Israel’s chief military spokesperson. This comes as reports emerge of heavy bombing in the besieged enclave. The Palestinian territory has experienced a disruption in internet and mobile phone services. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari confirmed that the attacks in Gaza have been intensified, with the air force targeting tunnels and other infrastructure. There are also indications that ground forces are expanding their operations, raising the possibility of a long-anticipated ground invasion. The White House has expressed support for a humanitarian pause in Israeli military activity in Gaza to provide aid and essential resources to civilians. However, the White House has not commented on reports of Israeli ground operations. Israeli forces have gathered outside Gaza, where they have been conducting an intense aerial bombardment since the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas. Palestinian mobile phone services have been severely affected by heavy bombardment, and the Palestine Red Crescent Society has lost contact with its operations room and teams on the ground. The U.S. supports a localized temporary pause in military activity if it helps secure the release of more than 200 hostages abducted by Hamas. Israel has been preparing for a ground invasion of Gaza but has faced calls from the U.S. and Arab countries to delay such an operation due to the potential increase in civilian casualties and the risk of a wider conflict. Aid groups warn of a humanitarian crisis in Gaza following days of aerial bombardment that has resulted in a high number of Palestinian casualties. Concerns about a broader Middle East conflict have grown as the U.S. deploys more military assets to the region. Israeli leaders remain determined to eliminate Hamas and its leaders, despite pleas to spare the civilian population. The infrastructure in Gaza has been severely damaged, with power outages, damaged housing, and destroyed facilities. Palestinians have been advised to move from the north to the south of Gaza to avoid the deadliest areas of the conflict. However, this remains risky due to ongoing airstrikes. Many families are reluctant to leave their homes, fearing they may never be able to return. The Gaza operations may be complicated by the need to protect Israel’s northern border, where Israeli forces have been engaged in cross-border fire into southern Lebanon and Syria. Israel and the U.S. have warned Hezbollah in Lebanon not to intervene, and the U.S. has sent additional military assets to reinforce this message. Hamas, backed by Iran, has had years to prepare its defenses, including a network of tunnels. Despite significant losses, Hamas fighters remain sheltered in the tunnels and will use the ruined urban landscape as cover. Israeli leaders now face the challenge of addressing the issue of the hostages, which is being handled at the highest levels of government.

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