Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the military has been ordered into a “decisive stage” aimed at capturing the last Hamas strongholds in Gaza City, refugee camps in central Gaza and the southern area of Al Mawasi. He told reporters that the directive follows a security-cabinet vote last week and that Israeli forces already control about 70% of the territory after renewed operations that began in March. Shortly after the announcement, Netanyahu held a phone call with former U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss the planned offensive. According to the prime minister’s office, the two leaders reviewed Israel’s strategy to secure the release of hostages and “defeat Hamas,” and Netanyahu thanked Trump for what he called the latter’s “strong support” since the conflict began. Netanyahu reiterated that the war would end only if Hamas is disarmed, all hostages are freed, Gaza is demilitarized, Israel retains overarching security authority, and a non-Israeli civilian body administers the enclave. Gaza’s health authorities said the death toll from Israel’s campaign has reached at least 61,430, including five people who died of famine and malnutrition on Sunday.