The Israeli Army has intensified its strikes on the Gaza Strip "in a very significant way," leading to escalating tensions. In response, Palestinian armed group Hamas has called on the international community to take immediate action to halt Tel Aviv's bombardment of Gaza.

According to media reports this development followed an announcement by Israel's Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who stated that the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) will soon launch a "long and difficult" ground offensive into Gaza to dismantle a vast network of tunnels used by Hamas, which governs the territory.

The IDF has also alleged that Hamas is using hospitals in the Gaza Strip as operational centers for directing attacks against Israel and conducted another ground raid in Gaza on Friday in preparation for an expected invasion of the Hamas-ruled area.

Meanwhile, the United Nations has issued a warning that "many more will die" as a result of Israel's ongoing siege of Gaza.