The Israeli military escalated its airstrikes in Gaza, including near the largest hospital, while the Gaza Health Ministry reported the Palestinian death toll passing 8,000, primarily women and minors. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared a “second stage” in the conflict sparked by Hamas’ October 7 incursion. This toll is unprecedented in Israeli-Palestinian history, with over 1,400 casualties on the Israeli side, mainly civilians. Although a significant aid convoy arrived in Gaza, it still fell short of desperate needs, as thousands had broken into warehouses for supplies. Communication was restored for most of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents after a severe Israeli bombardment disrupted services.