US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin calls Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant

US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin held another phone call with his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant to discuss Israel's military operations in Gaza.

During their conversation, Austin reiterated “the importance of protecting civilians during the Israel Defense Forces’ operations.”

“He also raised his focus on the need for Hamas to release all of the hostages,” a statement by US said.

Meanwhile, US has backed Israel in rejecting the United Nations General Assembly’s (UNGA) resolution on an immediate ceasefire in Gaza that was passed with an overwhelming majority on Friday.

Israel Defence Forces (IDF) spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari Friday said that the military has “ramped up airstrikes in the Gaza Strip in the last few hours and will continue to carry out ground operations,” adding that Israel will ‘expand’ its activities.

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Hamas said on Saturday its militants in Gaza were ready to confront Israeli attacks with “full force” after Israel’s military widened its air and ground attacks on the Palestinian enclave.

The largest telecommunications provider in Gaza says that the Strip is currently ‘blacked out’ as strikes from Israel hit internet and phone services in the region.

“We regret to announce a complete disruption of all communication and internet services with the Gaza Strip in light of the ongoing aggression,” the Palestine Telecommunications Company, known as Paltel.