By NBC News
What we know
- An IDF spokesperson said Israel is "increasing the ground operation" in Gaza and that bombing has already "increased," after reports of widespread sirens and explosions.
- The IDF said a "terrorist headquarters" exists under Gaza's al-Shifa hospital, where tens of thousands have taken refuge. Hamas denied the allegation and said it proved Israel had targeted al-Ahli Hospital on Oct. 17.
- In Gaza, supplies of food, medicine and fuel for powering emergency generators are running low, according to the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, which provides basic services to hundreds of thousands of people.
- A near-total blackout of internet and cellphone service has taken hold across much of Gaza, according to witnesses there and companies that monitor global connectivity.
- More than 7,000 people, including women and children, have been killed in Gaza, according to Palestinian health officials. In Israel, about 1,400 people have died.
- At least 229 people were taken hostage during the Oct. 7 terrorist attack — some of them infants and small children.
- International calls for a cease-fire have been rejected by Israel, which also angrily denounced U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres over comments about the conflict.
- The U.S. launched strikes on Iranian-linked targets in Syria in retaliation for a series of drone attacks on American military bases in Iraq and Syria, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said overnight.
