Gaza communications cut off as Israel ‘expands’ ground operations

Explosions from continuous air strikes lit up the sky over Gaza City for hours after nightfall

Smoke and explosions caused by Israeli bombardment are seen on the horizon in northern Gaza, Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023. (AP Photo/Abed Khaled)

Israel has knocked out communications in the Gaza Strip in intensified attacks, largely cutting off its 2.3 million people from contact with each other and the outside world, as the military said it was “expanding” ground operations in the territory.

The military’s announcement signalled it was moving closer to an all-out invasion of Gaza, where it has vowed to crush the ruling Hamas militant group after its incursion in southern Israel three weeks ago.