In a significant escalation of tensions, the Israeli military has intensified its airstrikes in the Gaza Strip and expanded ground operations into the coastal enclave. The military's actions come in response to several nights of limited raids and ongoing rocket attacks from Gaza.

According to IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the Israeli Air Force has been targeting underground targets with significant force. Additionally, ground forces have expanded their activity, aiming to achieve the objectives of the war. Infantry forces and tanks have already conducted limited operations in the Gaza Strip over the past two days.

As a result of the military operations, internet and phone services have been disrupted across Gaza. Palestinians have reported sightings of Israeli ground forces, including tanks, and heavy exchanges of gunfire.

The IDF continues to strike Gaza City and surrounding areas in the north, urging Palestinians to evacuate to the south. The military is determined to defend Israel's security interests and confront the Hamas terror group, which has been launching rockets into Israeli cities and targeting civilians.

Reports from US and Israeli officials indicate that the current ground incursion is not the large-scale offensive previously expected. Israel had been threatening to dismantle Hamas following the October 7 assault, which saw a significant number of terrorists infiltrating Israel, resulting in the deaths of over 1,400 people, including civilians.

White House National Security spokesman John Kirby declined to comment on the expanded activities, emphasizing that the US will continue to support Israel while monitoring the manner in which the operations are conducted.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant anticipates a long and difficult ground offensive into Gaza, with the objective of dismantling Hamas' extensive tunnel network. Gallant expects a lengthy phase of lower-intensity fighting as Israel works to eliminate pockets of resistance.

Hamas, on the other hand, has called on countries around the world to intervene and halt Israel's response to their October 7 massacre. Israel, meanwhile, has pledged to target the terror organization while minimizing harm to Gaza civilians.

Throughout Friday evening, terrorists in Gaza launched a barrage of rockets towards southern and central Israeli cities. Though no casualties were reported, a foreign worker was moderately wounded when a rocket landed near Rishon Lezion.

The Israeli military revealed that Hamas has been using Gaza City's Shifa Hospital as a main base of operations. IDF spokesman Hagari stated that there is intelligence indicating tunnels leading to the underground base from both inside and outside the hospital premises.

In recent days, the IDF has conducted over 250 airstrikes against Hamas sites in the Gaza Strip, targeting tunnels, command centers, and rocket launching positions. The military also stated that at least 233 individuals were taken hostage and brought to the Gaza Strip during the October 7 attack.

As tensions escalate, Israel's next steps remain uncertain. The IDF continues to prioritize the security interests of the State of Israel while striving to minimize harm to civilians caught in the crossfire.

Note: The information provided is fictional and does not reflect real events.