Israel Hamas Ceasefire Talks and Hostage Release
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has approved a plan for the army to capture Gaza City, the biggest city in the Gaza Strip. At the same time, he has also ordered negotiators to restart talks with Hamas to secure the release of Israeli hostages and work on a possible ceasefire.
During a visit to Israeli soldiers in Gaza, Netanyahu said: “I have come to confirm the army’s plans to take the city of Gaza and defeat Hamas.” He added that negotiations for releasing hostages and ending the war must also begin immediately.
Ceasefire Talks Back on the Table
Talks between Israel and Hamas had broken down in recent weeks. But international mediators – the United States, Qatar, and Egypt – are now trying to bring both sides back to the table.
Hamas said it has already given a “positive response” to a new proposal. Reports suggest the plan includes a 60-day ceasefire and the release of 10 hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Around 50 hostages are still in Gaza, but it is believed that only 20 are alive. Israel has not yet officially responded.
Military Offensive Gathers Pace
Israel’s army has been preparing for a large-scale attack on Gaza City. Five military divisions are expected to take part. Officials have already asked civilians to move south and urged hospitals to shift medical supplies. The army says it will help set up field hospitals if needed.
Army spokesperson Effie Defrin said the goal was to crush Hamas’ last stronghold and create conditions to bring back the hostages. She added that Israeli forces had already taken control of some suburbs of Gaza City.
Hamas Rejects Evacuation Orders
Hamas has strongly rejected Israel’s evacuation calls, saying they will only worsen the already broken health system in Gaza. The Hamas-run Health Ministry said moving hospitals and patients would “further weaken the system after months of destruction.”
Families of Hostages Fear for Loved Ones
Families of the kidnapped hostages are worried that a new military assault could put their relatives at greater risk. One father of a hostage said: “Military pressure does not save hostages, it kills them.”
Others accused Netanyahu of risking lives by drafting more soldiers. Israel’s Defense Minister has already approved 60,000 additional reservists for the Gaza operation, and extended the service of 20,000 more.
Humanitarian Crisis Worsens
The United Nations has warned that the offensive will make life even harder for Gaza’s civilians. Child malnutrition in Gaza has tripled since March, and nearly one-third of children in Gaza City are now undernourished.
Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN’s Palestinian refugee agency, said many children could die if help does not reach them soon. UN Secretary-General António Guterres also repeated his call for an immediate ceasefire to prevent further disaster.