Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directed negotiators to start discussions immediately for releasing all remaining hostages and ending Gaza conflict under terms acceptable to Tel Aviv.
This came during his Thursday address to troops, where he also approved plans for major assault on Gaza City to defeat Hamas.
In speech, Netanyahu praised reserve and regular forces for efforts toward this goal. “We approved operational plan presented by defense minister to defeat Hamas,” he said. At same time, he stressed need for swift talks on hostages and war’s end.
However, Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that unless Hamas agrees to disarm, Gaza City faces total destruction. Tensions rise as Israeli airstrikes killed at least 25 people in valley recently, including children in Friday’s Gaza City bombing.
United Nations declared famine in Gaza City and surrounding areas for first time, highlighting severe crisis. Nearly two years of fighting left about 2 million people facing acute shortages of food and medical aid.
In Nuseirat on Thursday, hundreds rushed for airdropped relief supplies, but many got shot while trying to collect aid. Israeli military intelligence revealed that only 17% of those killed in Gaza strikes were fighters, with 83% civilians.
Meanwhile, Israel’s cabinet approved controversial E1 settlement project in West Bank, drawing sharp criticism from world leaders. Around 21 countries, including United Kingdom, condemned move, according to Times of Israel report.
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As conflict drags on, calls grow for ceasefire, but threats from both sides keep situation volatile.
