Israel started tightening the noose in May with an effort to flush out militants and destroy the extensive tunnel system where Hamas has hidden fighters, hostages and weapons throughout the conflict. The strategy was to cut off sections of the underground web from one another, said Israeli military officials.

Qatar’s leader cautioned that the Gaza cease-fire has reached a “critical moment” on Saturday, claiming that international mediators are working “to force the way forward” to the second phase of the fragile peace deal.