An official of the Israel Defense Forces told NBC News that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for strikes in retaliation for a Hamas attack in Rafah.

Military and Middle East experts say a new Gaza rebuilding plan focused on creating secure enclaves, restoring stability and cutting off Hamas terrorists could succeed in the long term.

Hamas says it is expanding its search for the remains of hostages still left in Gaza. Sunday's announcement came a day after Egypt sent a team with heavy equipment to assist in the work.

The group still commands thousands of fighters, but the war has taken a toll on its weapons supplies, and its political future is uncertain.