Israel expands ground assault into Gaza as fears rise over airstrikes near crowded hospitals

Israeli troops and armor have expanded their assault deeper into the northern Gaza Strip, reaching built-up areas amid continued bombardment. The U.N. and medical staff are expressing fears over airstrikes hitting closer to hospitals where tens of thousands of Palestinians have sought shelter alongside thousands of wounded. The death toll among Palestinians passed 8,000, mostly women and minors, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Over 1,400 people have died on the Israeli side, mainly civilians killed during Hamas's Oct. 7 attack into southern Israel.