Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Thursday that he has ordered “immediate negotiations” for the release of hostages and an end to the Gaza war, but only on terms acceptable to Israel, CNN reported.
Despite the diplomatic signal, Netanyahu reaffirmed plans for a major military operation to seize Gaza City and defeat Hamas.
The UK, Australia and Japan are among 21 countries that have condemned Israel’s plans to build a controversial illegal settlement in the occupied West Bank, which they say renders a future two-state solution for Palestinians impossible.
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The Israel Defense Forces confirmed they are already on the city’s outskirts, with residents reporting heavy shelling overnight that killed at least 18 Palestinians, including children sheltering at a school.
This marks Netanyahu’s first public acknowledgment of ceasefire talks since Hamas responded positively to a mediation proposal from Qatar and Egypt. Yet, he avoided mentioning the framework, which includes a 60-day ceasefire.
Israeli officials believe 50 hostages remain in Gaza, about 20 of whom are alive.
The humanitarian crisis is deepening. The UN-backed IPC confirmed famine in northern Gaza, underscoring the dire stakes as Israel mobilizes tens of thousands of reservists.
