Israel's military says that it has detained more than 500 militants from Hamas and the Islamic Jihad in the Gaza Strip in the past month.

The military is stepping up its offensive in Khan Younis in southern Gaza, where it suspects the Gaza leader of Hamas, Yahya Sinwar, may be hiding. It has also been attacking Hamas positions in Rafah near Egypt, as well as in Jabalia in the north.

Health authorities in Gaza said on Monday that 18,205 people in the enclave had been killed so far.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said in a TV speech on Monday that he urges terrorists to surrender. He said, "If you surrender, you can save your lives. If not, your fate is sealed."

The Israeli military said on Monday that it will add another screening location for relief supplies to be sent to Gaza. It said the addition of the Kerem Shalom Crossing, on the border between Gaza and Israel, will double the amount of humanitarian aid into the strip.

But the military said that only security screenings will be conducted at the additional location, and that the entry point for all aid will be kept to the Rafah Crossing on the border between Egypt and Gaza.

Israel apparently aims to dodge international criticism by emphasizing its efforts in improving humanitarian conditions in Gaza.