JERUSALEM — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the military is intensifying its operations in and around Gaza City, where thousands of Palestinians have sought shelter amid ongoing strikes.

“We are deepening the operation in and around Gaza City,” Netanyahu said, signaling an escalation in Israel’s military campaign against Hamas. Gaza City, the territory’s largest urban center, has been a focal point of recent air and ground operations.

Earlier Sunday, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar told reporters in Jerusalem that the conflict could end “immediately” if Hamas released the remaining hostages and laid down its weapons.

The statements underscore Israel’s dual approach of military pressure alongside demands for Hamas to disarm and free hostages. Meanwhile, humanitarian organizations continue to warn of the worsening civilian toll as fighting expands in densely populated areas.