Ground forces are “expanding their operations tonight,” Israel Defense Forces spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari told reporters shortly after Gaza lost power and internet access.
He added that he suggests “not to pay attention to the rumors” that a ground invasion was delayed in an effort to free hostages, calling it a “cynical exploitation by Hamas.”
The announcement came after Gaza City was hit with “unusual, intense and sustained” explosions Friday night, according to CNN’s Nic Robertson.
“There have been huge rounds of outgoing tank fire from where we are,” he reported from Sderot, adding, “Round after round of artillery fire going into Gaza as well. Multiple impacts reported in Gaza and Gaza City.”
Hours earlier, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant vowed that the Jewish state would launch a “long and difficult” ground offensive soon in its efforts to destroy Hamas.
He said the military is preparing for a campaign that would require dismantling a vast network of underground tunnels in the country’s efforts to “dismantle Hamas.”
“We are responding with fire and creating the conditions for the ongoing war,” Gallant said, according to the Guardian. “There will also be other stages.”