Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel will increase “military pressure” on the Palestinian fighter group Hamas in a bid to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza, AFP reports.

“In the coming days we will increase the military and political pressure on Hamas because this is the only way to free our hostages,” Netanyahu said in a video statement on the eve of the Jewish holiday of Passover, threatening to “deliver additional and painful blows” without specifying.

Editorial

Updated 01 Aug, 2026

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