Prepared To "Deepen" Gaza Operation If No Progress On Hostages, Says Israel

Israel is prepared to "make compromises" to get hostages out of Gaza, Gallant said after touring the Rafah area following an Israeli incursion at the Rafah border crossing in the territory's south.

Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said Tuesday Israel was prepared to "deepen" its Gaza operation if truce talks fail to secure the release of hostages Hamas holds in the Palestinian territory.

Israel is prepared to "make compromises" to get hostages out of Gaza, Gallant said after touring the Rafah area following an Israeli incursion at the Rafah border crossing in the territory's south.

But "if that option is removed, we will go on and deepen the operation", he warned in a statement.