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

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. 01

   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. 02

   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.

   Early in the war, Israel amassed hundreds of thousands of troops along the border. Until now, troops had conducted brief nightly ground incursions before returning to Israel.

3. 03

   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. 04

   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. 05

   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'."

6. 06

   Pressure on Netanyahu after Hamas offers release of all hostages in exchange of Palestinian prisoners

   Hamas’ top leader in Gaza, Yehiyeh Sinwar, said the Palestinian militant groups “are ready immediately” to release all hostages if Israel releases all Palestinians held in Israeli prisons, however Hagari, the Israeli military spokesman, dismissed the offer as “psychological terror", reported AP.

   Further, distressed family members met with Netanyahu on Saturday and expressed support for an exchange agreement with Hamas.

7. 07

   Palestinian death toll crosses 7,700

   On Saturday, the Palestinian death toll soared past 7,700 people, with a significant number of deaths being of minors, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

   An estimated 1,700 people remain trapped beneath the rubble, according to the health ministry, which has said it bases its estimates on distress calls it received, reported AP.

8. 08

   'Morgues full, over half dead are children': WHO appeals for ceasefire

   In light of the crisis, the World Health Organization appealed to “the humanity in all those who have the power to do so to end the fighting now” in Gaza.

   “There are more wounded every hour. But ambulances cannot reach them in the communications blackout. Morgues are full. More than half of the dead are women and children,” it said. Palestinians even said that the war has robbed them of the funeral rites, with cemeteries being overwhelmed by the number of mounting number of bodies.

With agency inputs