By Wafaa Shurafa, Josef Federman and Baseem Mroue - The Associated Press
The Israel Defense Forces announced Friday that they will expand their ground operations in the Gaza Strip starting tonight, shortly after a widespread collapse of telephone and internet services in the area was reported under heavy bombardment.
Israel's announcement suggests it is nearing its anticipated invasion of Gaza, where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to crush the Hamas militant group following its bloody incursion into southern Israel on Oct. 7.
The internet blackout reported by multiple international media outlets has left Gazans largely isolated, ahead of Israel's announced intensification of attacks.
The Palestine Red Crescent Society stated that it had lost all contact with its operating room and medical teams, fearing that the population would not be able to contact ambulance services. Other aid groups said they were also unable to get in touch with their staff on the ground.