Israel launches new offensive to pressure Hamas to release hostages as food crisis continues in Gaza

The Israeli military launched a new operation in the Gaza Strip to pressure Hamas to release the remaining hostages, the defense minister said on Saturday.

Defense Minister Israel Katz said Operation Gideon Chariots began and was being led with "great force" by Israel's army.

"The heroism of IDF soldiers, the unity of the people and the determination of the political echelon increase the chance of the return of the hostages – as it was then and as it is now," he said.