Hummingbird News Desk
NEW DELHI, 28 OCT: The Israel-Hamas conflict escalated further as Israeli forces, responding to the October 7 attack by Hamas militants, intensified their offensive in the Gaza Strip. Following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s vow of “mighty vengeance,” the situation rapidly deteriorated, with Israel declaring a war on Hamas. After days of relentless air bombardment, Israel transitioned into a new phase, deploying troops and tanks accompanied by the heaviest air fire seen thus far.
A total blackout engulfed Gaza after phone and internet communications were deliberately cut off, significantly limiting the flow of information from the war-torn region. While Israel called it a war strategy to disable enemy communications, they did not confirm if the blackout was intentional. Palestinians in the southern part of Gaza, able to communicate using Israeli SIM cards, described the recent bombings as the most intense since the conflict began.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had shifted phases in the war, emphasizing that their operation would persist until further notice. Gallant, speaking on Israeli television channel Kan 11, declared, “Tonight the earth in Gaza shook. We attacked above the ground and under it. The operation will continue until further notice.”
The IDF spokesperson, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, revealed that the military was advancing through various stages of the war in Gaza. He confirmed the involvement of infantry, armored, engineering, and artillery forces in the ongoing operation, accompanied by heavy air support. Their objectives include destroying Hamas and securing hostages held within the Gaza Strip. Despite Hamas’ claims of inflicting heavy losses on Israeli troops and tanks, Israel denied any casualties in the ongoing operation.
The United Nations and the World Health Organization expressed grave concerns over the communications blackout in Gaza. The UN health agency reported its inability to contact staff in the Gaza Strip, making it impossible for ambulances to reach the injured. Tedros Adhanom, head of the World Health Organization, voiced his worry about the safety of their staff and health facilities, emphasizing the critical need for communication restoration.
In a surprising turn of events, Tesla CEO Elon Musk offered his satellite-based communications system, Starlink, to aid organizations operating in Gaza. Musk announced the initiative on social media, pledging support for connectivity to internationally recognized aid organizations in the region.
Meanwhile, Hamas continued its efforts to locate eight Russian-Israeli dual citizens held hostage since the October 7 attack. An agreement had been reached with Moscow for their release, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing crisis.
As the conflict rages on, the international community watches with growing concern, hoping for a swift resolution to end the suffering of innocent civilians caught in the crossfire.
Tags: #Israel #Hamas #War #GazaStrip
