Israel-Hamas truce extends as aid reaches Gaza: Live updates

Israel’s defense minister said his country’s military will fight with a stronger force after the truce when it returns to combat against Hamas.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said the operation will be carried out across the entire Gaza Strip.

“You have a few days. When we return to fighting, we will apply the same force and more … and we will fight across the whole of the (Gaza) Strip,” Gallant said while addressing a group of Israeli soldiers on Monday.  

He made the comments before Qatar previously said an agreement had been reached to extend the Israel-Hamas truce in Gaza by two additional days.

“Remember that while you are organizing and resting and researching, the enemy is also doing the same. You will meet something that is a little more ready,” Gallant said.  

“Therefore, they will first meet the bombs of the Air Force, and after that the shells of the tanks and the artillery and the paws of the D9 (bulldozers), and finally the shooting of the infantry fighters, we will fight in the entire strip,” the minister added.

The statement said at least 6,000 children and 4,000 women were killed. More than 30,000 people have been injured, the statement read.

The Ministry of Health said it is having difficulties in updating casualty numbers “due to a breakdown in services and communication in hospitals in the north of Gaza.”