Israel announces ‘new stage of war’ as ground invasion nears; internet restored in Gaza: Top developments on day 23

With the Israel and Gaza war nearing a month, the combined death toll in both the regions has exceeded the total number of casualties in all four previous Israel-Hamas clashes, estimated at around 4,000, as per AP.

On Saturday (October 28), Israel entered a new phase of its war, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claiming that the military has began the “second stage” of conflict by sending ground forces into Gaza and intensifying attacks from the ground, air and sea. Despite calls by the United Nations and the mounting number of civilian deaths, ceasefire seems nowhere in sight.

The relentless bloodshed has also sparked fears of a wider battle and instability in the Arab world, with the war getting a pushback from US allied nations and ones that were working on peace deals with Israel.

Here are the top developments from the region as the war enters its 23rd day:

1. Netanyahu announces ‘second stage of war’ – In a televised news conference on Saturday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the military has opened a “second stage” in the war against Hamas. Casting the war as a “fight for his country’s very survival”, he warned that the assault would intensify ahead of a broad ground invasion into the territory.“There are moments in which a nation faces two possibilities: to do or die,” Netanyahu said. He said he couldn’t reveal everything that is being done due to the sensitivity and secrecy of the efforts.
2. Gradual expansion of ground invasion in Gaza – The Israeli military has said it was gradually expanding its ground operations inside Gaza, while stopping short of calling it an all-out invasion. “We are proceeding with the stages of the war according to an organized plan,” said the chief military spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, hinting escalation in face of an already dire offensive.
3. Internet and phone services restored after days-long blackout – Two days after cellular and internet service were cut amid intense Israeli bombardment, the besieged territory experienced a resurgence in online connectivity on Sunday as communications systems were gradually being restored.This marked a significant relief for the crowded enclave which had plunged into a blackout that began late Friday as Israel escalated its ground operations.
4. Amid blackout, health services hit the worst – Ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qidra earlier told reporters that the disruption of communications had “totally paralyzed” the health network.Residents had no way of calling ambulances, and emergency teams were chasing the sounds of artillery barrages and airstrikes.
5. No ceasefire in sight – Netanyahu has not yet addressed any calls for a ceasefire, but in a speech peppered with references to centuries of Jewish history and military conflicts, he made clear his view: “Our heroic soldiers have one supreme goal: to destroy the murderous enemy and ensure our existence in our land. We have always said, ‘Never again’.”