The announcement comes after intensified airstrikes launched by the Israeli Air Force over the past week. "IDF troops have begun extensive ground operations throughout northern and southern Gaza as part of Operation 'Gideon's Chariots,'" the IDF announced Sunday morning.

Israel has come under mounting pressure, including from key backer the United States, to lift a total blockade it imposed on Gaza more than two months ago.

Following the launch of Operation Gideon's Chariots, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) struck more than 160 terror targets across Gaza in a single day. The strikes targeted northern, central, and southern Gaza,