Israel expands ground operations; Gaza war enters ‘second stage’

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that the military has entered a “second stage” in the war against Hamas by sending ground forces into Gaza. He stated that attacks will increase ahead of a broader ground invasion and that the mission is to destroy Hamas’ military and governmental capabilities and bring back the hostages. The bombardment has severely disrupted communications and paralyzed the health network in Gaza. Hamas has expressed readiness for an immediate prisoner swap with Israel.