"Israel-Hamas Conflict Escalates: UN Warns of More Pain as Death Toll Rises"

The Israeli army has declared Gaza City and its surrounding region a "battlefield" and ordered residents to evacuate immediately, while the UN warns that a ground offensive will cause even more pain as the death toll continues to rise. UN Secretary-General António Guterres expresses surprise at Israel's escalation of bombardments and calls for a humanitarian ceasefire, while the EU's Josep Borrell urges a pause in hostilities to allow for humanitarian aid delivery. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan accuses the West of being the main culprits behind the massacres in Gaza and calls Israel a war criminal. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announces that the war with Hamas has entered a new phase, and the UN human rights chief warns of devastating consequences if large-scale ground operations are launched. Elon Musk guarantees Starlink connectivity for recognized aid organizations in Gaza, and a Palestinian is killed by an Israeli settler in the West Bank. The Hamas Health Ministry reports a death toll of 7,703 in Gaza, and Israel expands its ground operation with massive airstrikes and bombings of Hamas tunnels. Hundreds of buildings are destroyed in Gaza, and communication services remain cut off. Families of hostages held by Hamas demand explanations from the Israeli government, and Erdogan calls on Israel to stop the attacks. Global protests calling for an end to the war ramp up, with demonstrations in New York City and Jakarta.