Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel has begun the second phase of its war in Gaza with ground operations against Hamas militants. He vowed to "destroy the enemy above ground and below ground." With Gaza residents cut off from communications, Israel pressed forward after weeks of airstrikes. Netanyahu said the war will be long and hard, but Israel will rescue over 200 hostages held by Hamas. He said the goals are to destroy Hamas' governing and military capabilities. Israel has blockaded and bombed Gaza since Hamas' October 7 attack killed 1,400 Israelis. Gaza health officials say 7,650 Palestinians have been killed so far in Israel's campaign. Netanyahu said "we are only at the start."

The UN human rights chief warned of potentially thousands more civilian deaths as Israel conducts a major ground offensive in Gaza. Volker Turk said given the military operations so far amid Gaza's decades-long occupation, he is alarmed by the prospect of "catastrophic consequences" from large-scale ground invasions. Israel has sent troops and armored vehicles into Gaza, backed by heavy airstrikes that knocked out most communications there. The Palestinian death toll has topped 7,700 since fighting erupted in early October. Over 1.4 million Gazans have been displaced, with many seeking shelter at UN sites. More than 1,400 Israelis were killed in Hamas's initial attacks.

Thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered in London on Saturday, demanding an end to Israel's attacks in Gaza. Similar rallies were anticipated in other UK cities. Home Secretary Suella Braverman had urged police to interpret certain chants as violent expressions. The protests come as Israel intensifies its strikes three weeks after Hamas attacked its territory. In Manchester, thousands attended a pro-Palestinian rally. International calls for a ceasefire continue. The protests are part of a global wave demanding cessation of hostilities and access for aid into Gaza, where thousands have been killed amid escalating conflict.

Amid the communication blackout in Gaza caused by intense Israeli bombardment, US representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez questioned the ethics of cutting off communication to 2.2 million people. Responding, Elon Musk announced that Starlink, created by SpaceX, would support connectivity for internationally recognized aid organizations in Gaza. Starlink, SpaceX's satellite network, aims to provide affordable internet access to isolated areas. The disruption hindered emergency services, with the Palestinian Red Crescent Society losing contact with Gaza operations. Palestinian telecom provider Jawwal cited destruction of international routes, and internet monitor NetBlocks reported a significant decline in connectivity.

At least 32 people died and 18 remain missing after a methane explosion caused a fire at ArcelorMittal Temirtau's Kostenko mine in Kazakhstan. Operator ArcelorMittal said 206 of the 252 people at the mine were evacuated, with 18 seeking medical care. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev declared a national day of mourning on October 29th. He also ordered officials to halt investment cooperation with ArcelorMittal as the government and company finalize a deal to nationalize the steel mill. ArcelorMittal said it is committed to completing the transfer of ownership to minimize disruption.

London has witnessed a disturbing surge in hate crimes, with antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents nearly doubling in just over a week. The escalation follows the recent Israel-Hamas conflict, leading to growing tensions in Britain. Commander Kyle Gordon reported 408 antisemitic incidents and 174 Islamophobic offences recorded in the British capital this month, compared to 28 and 65 respectively during the same period last year. Pro-Palestinian demonstrations and Jewish group vigils have been held, and law enforcement has made 75 conflict-related arrests, emphasizing their strict response to hate crimes.

The Hostages and Missing Persons Families Forum demands an immediate meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Gallant, and the war cabinet to discuss hostage rescue efforts. The families endured an incredibly anxious night amid the major Gaza ground offensive and uncertainty over the fate of 229 captives held there, also subject to heavy bombings. Families feel frustrated and angered that no war cabinet member has met to explain if the operation endangers hostages' wellbeing. Every minute feels endless as families worry for loved ones and await answers. They urgently request Gallant and the cabinet meet this morning to provide explanations on the rescue mission status and strategy.

Israel doubled down with one of the most intensive Gaza strikes yet overnight. The Israeli military said around 100 jets hit 150 underground Hamas targets in northern Gaza, including tunnels and infrastructure. A senior Hamas commander overseeing aerial capabilities was also killed. With phone and internet cut, communication in Gaza is nearly impossible. An Israeli Air Force general said the goal was to destroy everything Hamas touched. As huge explosions lit up Gaza's sky medical teams including ambulance drivers were unable to communicate due to the telecom blackout. Israel's unrelenting bombardment continues but faces heightened international pressure over the scale and devastation of the strikes on Gaza.

Once again, Iran's foreign minister warned new fronts would open against the US if it maintains unequivocal Israel support, escalating rhetoric amid fears the Israel-Hamas conflict could widen. He declined to detail consequences but denied instructing Syria/Iraq groups to recently target US forces, saying it was Washington fanning violence by totally siding with Israel. He said if the US continues, new fronts will open against it, warning the killing of Gazan women and children could make the situation uncontrollable. This follows US strikes in Syria on Iran-linked facilities used for regional attacks on troops. He maintained groups attacking US forces acted independently without Tehran's direction. The statements signal Iran's growing frustration with US support for Israel as casualties mount from Israeli retaliation against Hamas.

Hamas said on Saturday its Gaza militants are ready to confront Israeli attacks at "full force" after Israel widened air and ground assaults. This came as phone and internet were cut for over 10 hours, which telecom firms said resulted from Israeli strikes. An Israeli military spokesman said ground forces are expanding operations, raising questions of a possible Gaza invasion. Hamas said its fighters clashed with Israeli troops in northern and central Gaza. The clashes follow days of Israeli bombardment after Hamas's October 7 multi-front attack that killed 1,400 Israelis. Since then, Palestinian authorities say Israeli strikes have killed over 7,000 Palestinians. With Israeli troops massed at Gaza's border, Hamas vowed to frustrate any incursions, as both sides signal readiness for further escalation.