Internet connectivity breaks down in Gaza strip

Internet and mobile phone services have been cut off in the Gaza Strip, a local telecoms firm and the Red Cross said on Friday.

Palestinian telecommunication company Jawwal said in a message on its Facebook page that mobile phone service and internet in the Gaza Strip has been cut off due to heavy bombardment.

A statement from the Palestine Red Crescent Society said it had completely lost contact with its operations room in Gaza and all its teams operating on the ground.

Israel says it is preparing a ground invasion, but has been urged by the US to delay an operation that would multiply the number of civilian casualties.