Benjamin Netanyahu intends to approve a wide-scale seizure of Gaza City while simultaneously ordering immediate negotiations to secure the release of all hostages and end the war on terms acceptable to Israel. Israeli forces have intensified attacks and thousands of Palestinians have fled as tanks approach Gaza City. The Gaza operation could begin within days pending final approval at a security meeting. Hamas indicated agreement to a mediator-backed ceasefire proposal that would pause hostilities and enable negotiations. The current proposal envisions a 60-day ceasefire, a small prisoner exchange, and further talks toward a permanent ceasefire and return of remaining captives.
At the same time I have issued instructions to begin immediate negotiations for the release of all our hostages and an end to the war on terms acceptable to Israel, Netanyahu said, adding: We are in the decision-making phase.
The wide-scale operation in Gaza City could start within days after Netanyahu grants final approval at a meeting with senior security officials later on Thursday.
The proposal on the table calls for a 60-day ceasefire and the release of 10 living captives held in Gaza by Hamas and of 18 bodies. In turn, Israel would release about 200 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
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