Jerusalem, May 17 (AP) Israel said Saturday it has launched a new military operation in the Gaza Strip to pressure Hamas to release the remaining hostages.

Israel's defence minister said Operation Gideon Chariots began and was being led with “great force” by Israel's army.

Also Read | Jyoti Malhotra Arrested for Espionage: Haryana-Based YouTuber Held From Hisar for Spying for Pakistan.

The announcement comes after days of intensive strikes across Gaza that killed hundreds of people, according to Gaza's Health Ministry.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed earlier in the week to escalate pressure on Hamas with the aim of destroying the militant group that has ruled Gaza for nearly two decades. (AP)

Also Read | Layoffs in Tech Industry: 61,220 Employees Laid Off by 130 Companies So Far in 2025, Intel and Microsoft Among Cut Maximum Jobs.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)