Israel-Palestine war LIVE: War rages in Gaza as IDF intensifies bombardment and ‘kills Hamas aerial wing chief’ – while terror group says it is ready to confront attacks with ‘full force’

Israel sent forces into Gaza last night and pounded the besieged territory with a massive wave of airstrikes as an expected ground invasion loomed.

Explosions lit up the skies over Gaza City from ‘unprecedented’ rocket and missile fire while tanks were reported to have crossed in to the Strip, backed by heavy guns.

Mobile phone networks and internet services were suddenly cut off during the bombardment, leaving those trapped inside Gaza unable to communicate with the outside world.

Panic and fear spread among civilians in Gaza City as those who defied Israel’s new order to move south – the second such call since the start of the war – reported the most intense levels of airstrikes they had experienced since hostilities began three weeks ago.

Israel’s former ambassador to the UK, Mark Regev, now an adviser to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, told Fox News: ‘We are beefing up the pressure on Hamas. We’re increasing the pressure that they’re under. Our military operations are underway.

‘They will continue to be on the receiving end of our military blows until we have dismantled their military machine and dissolve their political structure in Gaza.

‘When this is over, Gaza will be very different.’

Smoke and explosions caused by Israeli bombardment are seen on the horizon in northern Gaza, Saturday, Oct. 28, 2023

Israeli soldiers prepare for the scenario of ground maneuvers at an undisclosed location near the border with Gaza, in Israel, 28 October 2023