Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz said that the first phase of the truce is “complete” and that Israel is seeking to return more hostages from Gaza, the Times of Israel reported.

“We have returned 25 hostages alive, including female soldiers. This was not the case in previous talks, where figures of 10 or 12 were discussed. We also returned eight dead. We intend to bring them all back,” he told a conference of regional council heads.

According to Katz, “The most effective way to accomplish this is for Hamas to know that the IDF is ready to return to war. That's the truth.”

He noted that Israel did not agree to the Gaza cease-fire because of a lack of ammunition or soldier fatigue.

“We agreed to the cease-fire for one reason only - to bring back the hostages, both alive and dead. This is our top priority, our moral obligation and our mutual responsibility, and we will continue to act accordingly,” the Israeli defense minister said.

He emphasized, however, that Hamas “will not remain in civilian or military control of Gaza. It will not happen, because it cannot happen.”

Katz added that if US President Donald Trump's plan to “encourage Palestinian emigration” materializes, “I will quickly promote the establishment of a voluntary immigration administration to allow those who want to leave Gaza to do so through the Ashdod port or Ramon Airport.”