Israel-Hamas war: Netanyahu orders immediate talks for release of hostages; to approve Gaza City takeover

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday said he will give final approval for the takeover of Gaza City while restarting negotiations with Hamas aimed at securing the release of hostages and ending the war on Israel’s terms. The wide-scale operation could begin within days once Netanyahu meets senior security officials.Hamas earlier this week said it had accepted a ceasefire proposal from Arab mediators, which, if agreed to by Israel, could delay the offensive.Preparations for offensiveThe Israeli military has begun calling medical officials and international organizations in northern Gaza to encourage evacuation to the south. Plans include calling up 60,000 reservists and extending the service of 20,000 others. Limited operations have already begun in Gaza City’s Zeitoun neighborhood and the Jabaliya refugee camp. The military says it aims to target areas where Hamas still retains military and governing capabilities.So far, there has been little sign of mass flight by Palestinians as seen during earlier offensives. Residents say nowhere in Gaza feels safe. Israel claims it controls around 75% of the territory.Civilian toll mountsAt least 36 Palestinians were killed Thursday in Israeli strikes across Gaza, according to hospitals. Fourteen of them were reportedly seeking humanitarian aid. Witnesses and health officials said Israeli forces have repeatedly opened fire on people heading to aid sites. The military said it only fired warning shots.The Gaza Health Ministry said total deaths have reached 62,192, with 271 more people, including 112 children, dying from malnutrition-related causes. The ministry, run by Hamas, does not distinguish between civilians and combatants, but the U.N. and independent experts say its figures remain the most reliable.Israeli airstrikes also destroyed a tent camp in Deir al-Balah, the last relatively safe city in Gaza. Families, many with children, were told to flee minutes before the strikes. “We are civilians, not terrorists. What did we do, and what did our children do, to be displaced again?” said Mohammad Kahlout, displaced from northern Gaza.Protests in Gaza and IsraelHundreds of Palestinians staged a rare protest in Gaza City on Thursday, demanding an end to the war. Women and children held signs reading “Save Gaza” and “Stop the war,” against the backdrop of destroyed buildings. “We don’t want to migrate. Twenty-two months … it’s enough. Enough death. Enough destruction,” said Bisan Ghazal, a displaced resident.In Israel, families of hostages rallied in Tel Aviv, warning that the operation could jeopardize the lives of around 20 hostages believed to still be alive. “Enough to sacrifice the hostages. Enough to sacrifice the soldiers, both regular and reservists,” said Bar Goddard, whose father’s body is being held by Hamas. Additional protests are planned.International concernThe planned offensive has drawn criticism from Israel’s allies, though not from the United States. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres warned of “massive death and destruction” if Israel proceeds. The Media Freedom Coalition, representing 27 countries, also called on Israel to allow international media into Gaza, citing the deaths of at least 184 journalists and media workers.War’s originsThe war began on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants attacked Israel, killing around 1,200 people and abducting 251. Most hostages have been released in previous deals, but Hamas says it will only release the remaining captives in exchange for a lasting ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal.