JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel said Saturday that it has launched a major operation in the Gaza Strip to pressure Hamas to release remaining hostages, following days of strikes across the Palestinian territory that killed hundreds of people.
Defense Minister Israel Katz said that Operation Gideon Chariots was being led with “great force.” 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.
The military operation came a day after U.S. President Donald Trump concluded his Middle East trip without a visit to Israel. There had been hope that Trump’s trip could increase the chances of a
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