Israeli war cabinet minister Benny Gantz has announced his resignation amid celebrations for the rescue of four hostages from conflict-torn Gaza in a raid that killed hundreds of Palestinians.

According to AFP, Gantz’s resignation is the latest sign of sharpening domestic dissent over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of the eight-month offensive, and is the first major political blow to him during the conflict.

It came after special forces fought gun battles with Palestinian fighters on Saturday in central Gaza’s crowded Nuseirat refugee camp area as they swooped in to free the four captives.

Gantz had issued an ultimatum to Netanyahu to present a post-conflict plan for Gaza by June 8, with the latter responding by telling Gantz it was “not the time to abandon the battle”.

While Gantz’s resignation will not bring the premier’s right-wing government down, it reflects growing domestic pressure over Netanyahu’s failure to return the remaining hostages.