Netanyahu Eyes Gaza Ceasefire Amid City Assault
Netanyahu Signals Readiness for Ceasefire Talks While Pushing Gaza City Assault
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has responded for the first time to a temporary ceasefire proposal from Egypt and Qatar, which Hamas accepted on Monday. An Israeli official confirmed that negotiators will be sent once a location for talks is agreed.
Speaking to soldiers near the Gaza border, Netanyahu emphasized that he remains committed to plans to defeat Hamas and capture Gaza City, the densely populated heart of the Palestinian enclave.
Over the past 10 days, thousands of Palestinians have fled their homes as Israeli tanks have approached the city.
“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.”
Israel’s security cabinet, which Netanyahu chairs, approved the plan to seize Gaza City earlier this month, despite calls from several close allies to reconsider. Israeli officials stress that any agreement must secure the release of all 50 hostages captured in Israel in October 2023, with around 20 believed to still be alive.
The current proposal includes a 60-day ceasefire, the release of 10 living hostages and 18 bodies held by Hamas, and the release of approximately 200 long-term Palestinian prisoners by Israel. During the ceasefire, both sides would negotiate a permanent truce, including the return of the remaining hostages.
Palestinians Stage Rare Protests
Amid growing despair in Gaza, residents held a rare protest on Thursday. Hundreds marched through Gaza City carrying banners reading, “Save Gaza, enough,” and “Gaza is dying by killing, hunger, and oppression.” The march was organized by several civil unions.
“This is a clear message: words are finished, and the time has come for action to stop the military operations, the genocide against our people, and the massacres taking place daily,” said Palestinian journalist Tawfik Abu Jarad.
The Gaza health ministry reported at least 70 people killed in Israeli fire in the past 24 hours, including eight members of one family in the Sabra suburb of Gaza City. A Fatah statement confirmed that one of those killed was a former militant and party leader. The Israeli military had no immediate comment.
Ceasefire Talks vs. Gaza City Assault
Even as Israel prepares for an assault on Gaza City, officials have suggested there is still an opportunity for a ceasefire. On Wednesday, the military called up 60,000 reservists, signaling that the government intends to move forward despite international condemnation—a process that could take weeks.
Netanyahu faces pressure from far-right coalition members to reject a temporary truce and continue the war, potentially annexing territory in Gaza.
Residents of Gaza City are making difficult choices. Some have fled to shelters along the coast, while others have moved toward central and southern areas of the enclave.
“We are facing a bitter situation: to die at home or leave and die somewhere else. As long as this war continues, survival is uncertain,” said Rabah Abu Elias, 67, a father of seven. “In the news, they speak about a possible truce, but on the ground, we only hear explosions and see deaths. Leaving Gaza City or not isn’t easy.”
On Thursday, Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee posted on X that initial warning calls had begun for medical and international organizations in northern Gaza, advising residents to prepare to evacuate south.
A Gaza health ministry official confirmed the calls but rejected the request to relocate medical resources, warning it would devastate the already fragile health system and endanger over a million residents.
The health ministry also reported two more deaths from starvation and malnutrition in the past 24 hours, bringing the total to 271, including 112 children, since the war began.
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