Israel has escalated its bombardment of the besieged Gaza Strip, resulting in a collapse of internet and mobile communications services in the Palestinian territory. Large explosions illuminated the skies over Gaza City, while northern Gaza faced relentless air raids and artillery attacks.

The Palestine Red Crescent Society reported a complete loss of contact with its operations room and ground teams in Gaza. Israeli military spokesperson, Daniel Hagari, confirmed a significant increase in air raids and the expansion of ground forces' activity in the region. Hagari urged residents of Gaza City to move south as the escalating attacks inflicted heavy damage on the strip.

Al Jazeera correspondent Safwat Kahlout, reporting from Gaza City, described the intensity of the Israeli fire as unprecedented. He noted the frequent sound of air strikes and artillery shells concurrently, indicating a significant escalation. Kahlout reported explosions also originating from the sea, particularly in the north of the Gaza Strip.

Adding to the growing crisis, Palestinian telecommunication company Jawwal announced the shutdown of mobile phone and internet services. Tareq Abu Azzoum, an Al Jazeera reporter in Gaza, described how the region had become isolated and cut off from the outside world. Residents in Gaza were reportedly terrified and afraid in the face of the ongoing attacks.

This service outage heightens concerns as Palestinians prepare for an expected Israeli ground invasion of Gaza. Israeli officials have threatened to launch a ground assault to topple Hamas, the Palestinian armed group governing the territory. Limited raids by Israeli forces have already been carried out in recent days.

The relentless bombing campaign by Israel follows Hamas' October 7 attack on southern Israel, which claimed the lives of more than 1,400 people. Subsequently, Israel imposed a complete siege on Gaza, severely restricting access to essential resources such as food, water, fuel, and electricity. The 2.3 million residents of Gaza have been left with limited options for seeking refuge.

The United Nations has issued a warning, stating that "many more will die" as a result of Israel's ongoing siege. Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner General for the UN agency for Palestine refugees (UNRWA), emphasized the deteriorating situation, with basic services collapsing, a scarcity of medicine, dwindling supplies of food and water, and streets overflowing with sewage.

As the conflict between Israel and Hamas escalates further, international attention and pressure continue to mount, urging a swift resolution to prevent further loss of life and address the urgent humanitarian crisis in Gaza.