Israel said Wednesday its troops retook part of a corridor that bisects Gaza, and its defense minister warned that attacks would intensify until Hamas frees dozens of hostages and gives up control of the territory.

Israel said it sent ground troops back into the center and south of the Gaza Strip, expanding a military operation that began with airstrikes a day earlier that Palestinian authorities said killed hundreds of people.

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israel said Wednesday its troops retook part of a corridor that bisects Gaza, and its defense minister warned that attacks would increase “with an intensity that you have not known” until Hamas frees dozens of hostages and gives up control of the territory.