Israel claims to have increased its ground operations throughout the Gaza Strip's northern and southern regions

Israel's troops expanded their ground operation in the southern and northern Gaza Strips over the weekend, engaging in fierce battles, Israel Defense Forces spokesperson Daniel Hagari said at a news conference on Saturday.

Ground forces, according to Hagari, have destroyed and seized Hamas weapons and underground infrastructure, including thousands of explosive devices, anti-tank missiles, and rockets.

The IDF is basing its operations in part on information gleaned from the detention and interrogation of numerous Hamas "terrorists," according to Hagari.

He stated that returning the remaining hostages held in Gaza is a key goal of the ground offensive.

"We are doing everything we can with great determination to bring back the hostages," Hagari told reporters.