THE EFFECT of air strikes in Gaza (Shutterstock).

Israel is expanding its ground offensive to include both the northern and southern parts of Gaza, two days after the seven-day cease-fire ended.

The Israeli military has ordered more evacuations of civilians from the north to the battered part of Gaza between Israel and Egypt.

Artillery bombardment continued on Sunday and Palestinian refugees in Gaza are estimated to have reached nearly 1.8 million people, out of a population of 2.3 million. Nearly 1 million of those displaced are in United Nations facilities in the south.

The death toll of Gazans – as estimated by the Hamas-run Health Ministry – is over 15,500. Israel counts its own dead at 1,200.

Harris to Dubai for climate talks

KAMALA HARRIS

Vice President Kamala Harris flew to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates over the weekend to take a role in a United Nations conference on climate change.

But she wasn’t there long, as she gave a short speech and then left. She was reportedly dashing off because of issues related to the Israel-Hamas war and the resumption of warfare in the Gaza area.

“We all want this conflict to end as soon as possible, and to ensure Israel’s security and ensure security for the Palestinian people,” Harris said.

Rams, Chargers post wins

The two Los Angeles pro football teams each claimed victories on Sunday. The Chargers didn’t show much offense but the defense was stellar in a 6-0 win over the New England Patriots in Foxboro. The margin of victory for the Bolts (5-7) was two field goals by Cameron Dicker.

The Rams pulled away in the fourth quarter against the visiting Cleveland Browns at SoHi Stadium, winning 36-19 and moving into a potential wildcard spot with a 6-6 record. It was the Rams’ third consecutive victory.  Matthew Stafford passed for 279 yards and three TDs while Kyren Williams rushed for 88 yards and one score.

College football playoff field set

The four teams to compete in the College Football Championship were announced Sunday, and they will be Michigan vs Alabama in the Rose Bowl and Washington vs. Texas in the Sugar Bowl in the opening round.

Left out were unbeaten Florida State and reigning champion Georgia, which was ranked at the top nearly all season. The Bulldogs fell out of the “Top Four” with a narrow loss to Alabama in the SEC title game.

Weather:  Some clouds, some sun

Our West Orange County area will be partly cloudy with a bit of sun for the coming week. Monday’s forecast calls for partly cloudy skies – the same for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday – with a daytime high of 76 and an overnight low of 52. Tuesday will have sunny skies with a daytime high of 81 and an overnight low of 52. The highs/lows for Wednesday will be 84 (54), Thursday at 72 (49) and Friday at 72 (49).