Israel says it has launched a major military operation in Gaza to pressure Hamas to release remaining hostages.

THIS is the moment Israel launches fresh airstrikes in a major operation dubbed “Gideon’s Chariots”. Israel’s military said it had begun “extensive strikes” in

Defence Minister Israel Katz said Operation Gideon Chariots was being led with "great force". Netanyahu had vowed to escalate pressure with the aim of destroying the militant group that has ruled Gaza for nearly two decades.

Israel has escalated its military campaign in Gaza, launching a new offensive against Hamas as the war enters one of its darkest phases.

The withering Israeli aerial campaign appeared to presage the ground operation Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to launch if no ceasefire and hostage deal were struck by the time Trump returned to the U.

Israel said Saturday it had launched a major operation in the Gaza Strip to pressure Hamas to release remaining hostages.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had vowed to escalate pressure with the aim of destroying the militant group that has ruled Gaza for nearly two decades.

Israel has targeted Hamas leader Mohammed Sinwar in a strike on a hospital in southern Gaza on Tuesday evening, according to a senior Israeli official and two sources familiar with the matter.