Israel launches ‘large-scale operation’ to find last Gaza hostage

Netanyahu says it will open Rafah crossing and begin second phase of ceasefire after search ends

Israel said on Sunday its military was conducting a large-scale operation" to locate the last hostage in Gaza, as Washington and other mediators pressure Israel and Hamas to move into the next phase of their ceasefire.

The statement came as Israel's cabinet met to discuss the possibility of opening Gaza's key Rafah border crossing with Egypt, and a day after top US envoys met the prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, about next steps.