Israeli forces appeared to be holding positions inside northern Gaza on Sunday, as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared the “second stage” of the country’s war to destroy Hamas had begun after stepping up airstrikes and ground attacks.

The latest barrage – described by Gaza residents as the most intense of the war – knocked out most communications late on Saturday and largely cut off the besieged enclave’s 2.3 million people from the world. Phone and internet were restored to many people early on Sunday.