Israel's military officials said they were expanding their operations in Gaza amid reports of heavy bombing and the cutting off of internet and mobile phone services in the strip.
Reuters reported that Israel Defense Force chief spokesperson RAdm. Daniel Hagari made the announcement on Friday (October 27) after it revealed the alleged existence of a tunnel network running beneath hospitals in Gaza.
"In the last hours, we intensified the attacks in Gaza," he said. "In addition to the attacks carried out in the last few days, ground forces are expanding their operations tonight."
Hagari also stated that military aircraft are also on standby to conduct strikes on tunnels and other infrastructure.
Israel-Hamas War Friday Recap
The announcement from the IDF was one of many significant ones that were provided to reporters.
Earlier on Friday, the IDF revealed that several key Hamas structures were allegedly located beneath hospitals in Gaza, specifically the Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza City.
The IDF also stated that its forces killed Madhat Mubasher, commander of Hamas's West Khan Yunis battalion, in an airstrike into Gaza on Thursday night (October 26).
In addition, Palestinian internet service providers (ISPs) in Gaza have said they could no longer continue their operations due to the situation within the strip. This meant internet and telecommunication lines were cut off, resulting in a near-total internet blackout.
Related Article : Israel Says Hamas HQ Located Below Central Gaza City Hospital
