Israel says "tens of percent" of the Gaza Strip has become part of Israel's "security zone," or no-entry zone for residents.



Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz made the remark on Sunday on social media, saying that hundreds of thousands of residents have already evacuated from the fighting zones.



The security areas are believed to have expanded due to a new corridor cutting off the southernmost city of Rafah from the rest of Gaza. The Israeli forces announced the completion of the corridor on Saturday, saying that they had encircled Rafah.



Katz said the more Hamas persists in its refusal, the more the activity of the Israeli military will intensify. He added that Gaza will become smaller and more isolated.



Israel has resumed using its military power to ramp up pressure on the Islamic group. Talks over the extension of the ceasefire stalled after the initial six-week pause of fighting period ended.



An Arab media outlet reported on Monday that a Hamas delegation held talks on Sunday in Cairo with Egyptian intelligence officials. Egypt has been working as a mediator between Israel and Hamas.



Observers say reaching an agreement may not be easy because of the difference between the two sides. Hamas is demanding a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, while Israel insists on the elimination of Hamas.