STORY: Israel "heads into 2nd stage of war," regional countries warn against further ground operations
DATELINE: Oct. 29, 2023
LENGTH: 00:02:12
LOCATION: Ramallah/Cairo
CATEGORY: OTHERS

SHOTLIST:
1. STANDUP 1 (English): OHOOD AL-JAGHOUB, Xinhua reporter in Ramallah
2. various of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu
3. various of Israel Defense Forces (IDF) activities in Gaza
4. various of Cairo
5. various of IDF activities
6. STANDUP 2 (Englilsh): LI RUI, Xinhua correspondent in Cairo
7. various of refugees in Gaza
8. various of IDF activities

STORYLINE:

STANDUP 1 (English): OHOOD AL-JAGHOUB, Xinhua reporter in Ramallah
"Israel intensified its bombardment of the besieged Gaza Strip Friday night as the residents of Gaza endured the heaviest pounding since the start of this war, as well as cutting all communication services in the Palestinian territory by the Israeli army.
Artillery from the ground and sea and relentless air raids were used in Friday night's battle while in complete blackout, which is persistent till now, which added to residents' anxiety and hampered rescue efforts."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday that the country's war cabinet and political cabinet "unanimously decided to expand the ground operation" in the Gaza Strip. Meanwhile, regional countries warned Israel against further ground operations.

In a press conference joined by other senior officials in Tel Aviv, Netanyahu said Israel is now "heading into the second stage of the war," during which his country will try to achieve its target of "destruction of Hamas's military and governing capabilities, and returning the hostages home."

STANDUP 2 (Englilsh): LI RUI, Xinhua correspondent in Cairo
"The UN General Assembly adopted on Friday a resolution that calls for a humanitarian truce in Gaza.
The resolution calls for 'an immediate, durable and sustained humanitarian truce leading to a cessation of hostilities,' and 'immediate and unconditional release' of all civilians being illegally held captive.
Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Friday expressed support for the UN resolution.
Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian has voiced his country's support for any political solution that would address the current critical humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Egypt warned on Saturday of the grave risks and unprecedented humanitarian crisis that could be caused by an Israeli large-scale ground attack on the Gaza Strip."

The death toll of Palestinians from Israeli military strikes on the Gaza Strip has risen to 7,703, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said on Saturday. Meanwhile, about 1,400 Israelis were killed.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Ramallah/Cairo.
(XHTV)