Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu threatened to resume “intense fighting” in Gaza if Hamas failed to free the captives held there by Saturday at noon. The Israeli military said it was deploying troops in the country’s south, including calling up additional reservists, to prepare for any “possible scenario”.

Israel says it has begun preparations for the departure of Palestinians from Gaza despite international rejection of President Donald Trump’s plan to empty the territory of its population. Egypt has launched a diplomatic blitz behind the scenes against the proposal,