Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the pressure on Gaza would increase until the remaining hostages were returned to Israel. “The more they do not give (back the hostages), the more the pressure will increase until they do,” vowed the Israeli Prime Minster in a video statement released on Wednesday.

Israel announced Saturday that its military has completed the establishment of a new security corridor in the Gaza Strip, effectively taking full control over Rafah.

Israeli forces have launched new operations in Gaza City aimed at strengthening control over the area, dismantling Hamas infrastructure and expanding a designated "security zone" there, a military spokesperson said Saturday.