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.

Gaza Israel warned Gazans on Thursday not to move between the north and south after its ground troops took control of the key Netzarim Corridor that divides the enclave, in a major offensive that has shattered two months of relative calm following a ceasefire agreement with Hamas.

Israel’s military said it launched a ground operation along the coastal route in Beit Lahia in northern Gaza, while local health authorities reported 85 killed.

Israel's military launched a new ground offensive in Gaza, sending troops into areas they retreated from during a two-month ceasefire. This comes a day after airstrikes killed more than 400 people.