Aug 21, 05:19 PM

Netanyahu Approves IDF Plan to Seize Gaza City, Seek Hostage Deal

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he has approved Israel Defense Forces plans to seize full control of Gaza City, describing the upcoming operation as the "decisive phase" of the 22-month war against Hamas. Israeli media report the assault could start within days, expanding limited raids the military has already conducted in the city’s Zeitoun neighborhood and the Jabaliya refugee camp. Netanyahu added that he has instructed negotiators to pursue an immediate agreement for the release of the remaining hostages held in Gaza—about 20 are believed to be alive—while stressing that any deal must adhere to Israel’s conditions. Families of captives have staged demonstrations in Tel Aviv urging the government to give priority to a swap that would bring their relatives home. The announcement comes amid continuing bloodshed. The Gaza Health Ministry, part of the Hamas-run administration, said Israeli strikes killed at least 36 people across the territory on Thursday, taking its war-time death toll to roughly 62,192. Hamas’s 7 October 2023 assault on Israel left about 1,200 people dead and led to the abduction of 251 hostages, most of whom have since been freed during earlier cease-fires.

#Israeli #Benjamin Netanyahu #Israel Defense Forces #Gaza City #Hamas #Zeitoun #Jabaliya #Netanyahu #Gaza #Israel #Tel Aviv #Gaza Health Ministry

Written with ChatGPT .

Netanyahu Approves IDF Plan to Seize Gaza City, Seek Hostage Deal

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