People in Gaza uncontactable as Israel steps up strikes

Israel says it’s expanding its ground operation in Gaza as it continues its bombing campaign. Hamas says its fighters have been battling Israeli soldiers in the north and centre of the Gaza Strip as an internet and phone service blackout continues.

Also in the programme: the largest gay pride event in Asia takes place in Taiwan today; and we look ahead to the final of the Rugby World Cup between New Zealand and South Africa.

Joining presenter Audrey Brown are Dalal Mawad, a Lebanese journalist based in Paris and Peter Neumann who is Professor of Security Studies at Kings College based in London.

(Picture: Israeli soldiers prepare for the scenario of ground maneuvers at the an undisclosed location near the border with Gaza. Credit: Hannibal Hanschke/EPA-EPE/REX/Shutterstock)