• Source:ANI
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Gaza Under Blackout: Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted that the second stage of the war against the militant group Hamas began with the entrance of more ground forces into Gaza. The prime minister said Israel's goal is to "defeat the murderous enemy and to ensure our existence in our land."

The remark from Netanyahu came after Israel's Defence Forces chief has said the military is carrying out ground operations in the Gaza Strip at present which serve to achieve all the war's objectives, news agency ANI reported citing The Times of Israel.

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On Saturday, Israel began a more extensive ground assault after creating a near-blackout of communication in the Gaza Strip with increased bombardment and artillery fire overnight.

While addressing a press conference in Tel Aviv, Netanyahu stressed that Israel's war aims are clear - "destruction of Hamas's military and governing capabilities; and returning the hostages home." He stated that the war cabinet and the security cabinet decided unanimously to begin the ground invasion.

"Our commanders and soldiers fighting in enemy territory know that the nation and the national leadership stand behind them," the PM said. Netanyahu said, "They are determined to eradicate this evil from the world, for our existence and, I add, for all of humanity." He said, "We always said, 'Never Again'. Never Again' is now."

Meanwhile, Hamas said that they would release the Israeli hostages if Israel freed all Palestinians. This comes as Israel steps up its ground invasion in Gaza. Amidst Israeli jets dumping bombs and suggestions of a long-threatened ground offensive against Hamas militants, Gaza remains cut off from the outside world and remains under darkness.

Earlier on Saturday, Israel Air Force announced that combined combat teams of armoured, engineering and infantry forces have been operating on the ground in the northern Gaza Strip.

"Combined combat teams of armoured, engineering and infantry forces are operating on the ground in the northern Gaza Strip, starting yesterday evening. As part of the activity, the IDF forces identified terrorist squads that were trying to launch anti-tank missiles and high-trajectory fire - and attacked them. In addition, a trapped house was located that was attacked by the forces," Israel Air Force wrote on X.

(With Inputs From ANI)