The announcement came after Netanyahu’s defense minister said that Israel would seize large areas of Gaza and add them to its so-called security zones.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says his troops are seizing an area he called the Morag Axis, a reference to a former Israeli settlement previously located in an area between Rafah and Khan Younis.

At least five hostages could be freed from Hamas’ clutches under new cease-fire negotiations, which come as tens of thousands of protestors flooded Israeli streets demanding their return.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday that the military is dividing Gaza and “seizing territory” to force Hamas to free hostages held in the Palestinian territory.

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Wednesday that Israel is establishing a new security corridor across Gaza as the country said it planned to seize large areas of the Palestinian territory and launched a wave of strikes that Palestinian health officials said killed more than 40 people.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan reportedly called for Israel's destruction during Eid prayers, drawing fierce condemnation from Israel, amid rising regional tensions over Gaza and Syria.

Ongoing Israeli bombing in Gaza is jeopardizing the lives of the hostages still held by Hamas, freed captives say. They're among those calling for an end to the fighting.

Members of the Abu Samra clan — a known family in central Gaza — admitted to killing the Hamas operative in Deir al-Balah on Tuesday after he gunned down their relative earlier in the