On the table: At least 8 living hostages could be released within the next 2 weeks: Here's what we know

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) significantly escalated their operations in the Gaza Strip over the Passover holiday weekend, deepening their ground maneuver and completing the strategic paving of the Morag axis, a 12-kilometer corridor dividing southern Gaza between Rafah and Khan Younis. The move, described by Defense Minister Israel Katz as a critical step in tightening Israel’s security grip, aims to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages while expanding Israel’s control over key areas of the Strip.

The IDF’s intensified operations began Friday night in the Diraj Tufah neighborhood of Gaza City, targeting Hamas infrastructure and operatives. According to the IDF Spokesperson, forces eliminated multiple terrorists, destroyed underground tunnels, observation posts, and a command-and-control complex used by Hamas to orchestrate attacks. The complex housed explosives and charges intended for use against Israeli troops. Over the past 48 hours, the Israeli Air Force struck more than 90 targets across Gaza, including a rocket launch site used to fire at southern Israel, weapons storage facilities, and terrorist squads.

The completion of the Morag axis, spearheaded by Division 36, is a significant milestone. The corridor, stretching from east to west, isolates Rafah from Khan Younis and integrates the area between the Murg axis and the Philadelphi Corridor into Israel’s security zone. Katz emphasized that this reconfiguration, combined with an expanding northern buffer zone, has already transformed “dozens of percent” of Gaza’s territory into Israeli-controlled security areas. Hundreds of thousands of Gaza residents have been evacuated from combat zones as part of these operations.

Speaking Sunday evening, Katz issued a stern warning to Hamas: “The more it persists in its refusal [to release hostages], the more IDF operations will intensify.” He outlined a strategy of relentless pressure, stating that “Gaza will become smaller and more isolated” until the hostages are freed. Katz detailed the IDF’s approach, which includes powerful preparatory strikes from land, air, and sea to neutralize threats like explosives and fortified structures, ensuring maximum protection for Israeli soldiers.

In Rafah, Division 36 forces continued to locate and destroy Hamas weapons caches and infrastructure, while Division 143 operated in the Tel Sultan and Shaboura areas, dismantling tunnels and eliminating terrorists. In northern Gaza, Division 252 targeted military structures and thwarted operatives attempting to plant explosives.

The escalation comes as hopes for a hostage release deal remain dim. Katz reaffirmed that the IDF’s actions are designed to force Hamas back to the negotiating table, with the destruction of its operatives and infrastructure serving as leverage. “This is about saving lives and securing Israel’s future,” he said.

HOSTAGE UPDATE: American and Israeli sources have spoken with hostages’ families in recent days, updating them that "there’s significant progress, and a deal could be reached within two weeks."

As part of the ongoing negotiations, Israel is pushing for the release of more than eight live hostages in the next deal.

Meanwhile, the U.S. has relayed a message to Hamas through mediators, stating that if more than eight live hostages are released in the upcoming deal, the administration will ensure that serious discussions on the next phase of the agreement, potentially including an end to the war, will follow.

Behadrei Haredim contributed to this article.