Israel announces it is about to expand its ground offensive against the Gaza Strip

The Israeli military has announced it is expanding its ground campaign in the Gaza Strip after significantly increasing the intensity of air strikes against the area.

"In the past hours, we have significantly increased the number of airstrikes targeting the Gaza Strip," Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, spokesman for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), announced on October 27. "After a series of attacks in the past days, the army will expand the ground war tonight."

Rear Admiral Hagari said the IDF is “working hard” on all fronts to achieve its objectives in the conflict with Hamas. “The IDF will continue to attack Gaza City and surrounding areas, and continue to call on civilians to evacuate to the southern Gaza Strip,” Hagari said.

Fire from an explosion in the Gaza Strip on October 27. Photo: Reuters — Fire from an explosion in the Gaza Strip on October 27. Photo: *Reuters*

Internet and telephone connections in the Gaza Strip were completely disrupted on the same day as Israel launched a fierce attack on the area. Hamas accused Israel of doing this "to carry out massacres through retaliatory strikes by air, land and sea".

The Palestinian Red Crescent has reported a loss of contact with its operations room in the Gaza Strip and all teams operating there. The organization expressed deep concern about its ability to continue providing medical services and the safety of its staff.

Israel has massed more than 300,000 troops, tanks, armored vehicles and heavy combat vehicles near the Gaza Strip, preparing for a large-scale operation against the area. The IDF has repeatedly stated that a ground offensive could help them achieve their goal of "eradicating Hamas", despite the risk of heavy casualties.

The IDF has recently launched localized attacks against the Gaza Strip, including lightning strikes in the northern and central parts of the region. Israel said it targeted Hamas positions in these attacks and was preparing for a larger-scale operation against the Gaza Strip.

Nguyen Tien (According to AFP, Times of Israel )

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