Israel says ground forces ‘expanding operations’ into Gaza tonight amid massive bombardment

Israel announced that ground forces are escalating operations inside Gaza tonight and indicated that its largest hospital in could be a target as power and internet connections were reported to be down across the territory.

“In the last hours, we intensified the attacks in Gaza,” Israel Defence Force (IDF) spokesperson Real Admiral Daniel Hagari told a press briefing.

“In addition to the attacks carried out in the last few days, ground forces are expanding their operations tonight,” he said, suggesting that the anticipated invasion could be imminent.

The spokesperson reiterated demands for Palestinian civilians in the north of Gaza to travel south.

The announcement came as communication networks shut down across the besieged enclave.

Palestinian mobile company Jawal stated: “We regret to announce a complete cessation of all communications and Internet services with the Gaza Strip. The last international routes linking Gaza to the outside world have been destroyed”.

Aid groups said that they had been unable to contact staff working in Gaza with heavy bombardment reported.

Israeli officials also presented what they claimed to be evidence that Hamas installations were located under al-Shifa hospital in Gaza city, the largest hospital in Gaza which is believed to be providing shelter to tens of thousands of displaced Palestinians. The claims could not immediately be verified.

“Hamas terrorists operate inside and under Shifa hospital and other hospitals in Gaza,” said Rear Admiral Hagari.

Staff at the hospital appeared on Al Jazeera to make a statement denying Israel’s charges and accused it of planning “another pogrom.”

This story is being updated.