Israel has announced the launch of a major military operation in Gaza to pressure Hamas into releasing remaining hostages.
The move comes after days of strikes across the Gaza Strip, which killed hundreds of people.
Israel’s army said on social media that it was intensifying attacks and exerting “tremendous pressure” on Hamas across Gaza, and wouldn’t stop until the hostages are returned and the militant group is dismantled.
Israel believes as many as 23 of the hostages in Gaza are still alive, although Israeli authorities have expressed concern for the status of three of them.
Defense Minister Israel Katz said that Operation Gideon Chariots was being led with “great force.”
The announcement comes just a day after US President Donald Trump finished his trip to the Middle East, which did not include a visit to Israel.
Meanwhile, negotations between Israel and Hamas in Doha, Qatar, are ongoing. Militant group Hamas is insisting on a deal which involves the withdrawal of Israeli forces, something Israel said it will not agree to.
Arab leaders meeting annual summit on Staurday said they were trying to reach a ceasefie deal.
More than 150 people have been killed in Israeli strikes in the last 24 hours, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
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It said more than 3,000 have been killed since Israel broke a January ceasefire on March 18 2025.
At least four children were killed on Saturday afternoon, after an Israeli strike hit the Jabaliya refugee camp, according to al-Awda Hospital. There was no immediate Israeli comment on the strikes.
Gaza is in the third month of an Israeli blockade, with no food, water, fuel or other goods permitted to enter. Food security experts say Gaza will be in famine if the blockade isn’t lifted.
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