After retaking part of a corridor that divides Gaza’s north from south, Israeli troops moved Thursday toward the northern town of Beit Lahiya and the southern border city of Rafah. The military said it had resumed enforcing a blockade on northern Gaza, including Gaza City.

The Israeli leader has tightened his grip on the government and hostage talks with the latest ouster.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar amid mass protests against the move and Israel’s resumption of hostilities in Gaza.

On Thursday night, protesters marched in Jerusalem to protest Netanyahu's dismissal of Ronen Bar, the head of Shin Bet, Israel's internal security service. The prime minister said earlier this week that he had lost confidence in Bar.

Dozens of Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh gathered to pray for the early release of a Rohingya insurgent leader arrested this week on charges of murder, illegal entry and militant activities.