Israel Sends Troops into Gaza, Begins Next Phase of War

Israel has initiated a new phase in its war against Hamas, expanding its military operations to include ground forces in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the decision aims to destroy Hamas’ governmental and military capabilities and to secure the release of hostages. The announcement was made during a televised news conference Saturday. The escalation comes three weeks after an incursion by Hamas into Israel, in which militants attacked nearby Israeli towns on Oct. 7, torturing, raping and murdering civilians, and taking as many as 230 hostages.