ISRAEL’S defence minister said today that he has ordered ground forces to advance deeper into the Gaza Strip, vowing to hold more land until Hamas releases the remaining hostages it holds.

After retaking part of the strategic Netzarim corridor that divides Gaza’s north from south, Israeli troops moved on Thursday toward the northern town of Beit Lahiya and the southern border city of Rafah. 

The military said that it had resumed enforcing a blockade on northern Gaza, including Gaza City.