Watch: IDF Spokesperson responds to Hamas hostage video

Washington fears that an invasion of Rafah will exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.

The Foreign Ministry is looking into Egyptian reports regarding the murder of a Jewish businessman inside the country. The belief is increasing that the motive was nationalistic.

Meanwhile, two "aerial targets" were identified entering Israel from Lebanon. One was intercepted. Light damage was caused, but no casualties.

This statement comes on the heels of Prime Minister Netanyahu's statement regarding the purpose of the operation,

Israeli officials are said to be "suspicious" that the US provided Hamas guarantees that the the IDF would withdraw from Gaza following a hostage return.

The Prime Minister also said that "Hamas' proposal yesterday was meant to torpedo the entry of our forces into Gaza. This did not happen."

According to the IDF, the two tunnels had been under "ongoing intelligence and technological surveillance."

COGAT announced that 60 trucks have passed through Erez crossing so far today, in response to an inquiry by Sky News.

At a speech at the Economic Conference of the Treasurers' Association, Tekuma Authority Director Moshe Edri said residents of "Beeri, Nir Oz, and Kfar Azza will be able to return to their homes in two or three years."

During the operation, the IDF killed an armed terrorist and arrested another six suspects. Dozens of weapons parts were also seized.

One drone was intercepted, one caused a minor fire in the Yiftah area, the remaining two landed in open areas. No casualties were reported.

Construction work on the pier has been shifted to the port of Ashdod due to adverse weather conditions nearer the Gaza coast.