Israel has announced it will continue its military offensive in Gaza City while resuming negotiations with Hamas for the release of hostages taken during the October attack. Despite international pressure and concerns from allies, Israel is expanding its operation, calling for medics and aid groups to evacuate northern Gaza. The government plans to mobilize tens of thousands of reservists as it pushes forward with its strategy to defeat Hamas and secure the release of hostages.
A new ceasefire proposal, brokered by Egypt and Qatar, closely resembles previous plans and includes the exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners, a withdrawal of Israeli forces, and talks for a lasting truce. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes have resulted in dozens of Palestinian deaths, and controversy continues over a West Bank settlement project condemned by the United Kingdom and other countries as a breach of international law.
The United Kingdom has also expressed alarm over reports of famine in Gaza, urging Israel to lift barriers to aid and warning of ongoing starvation. Additionally, a coalition of countries has called on Israel to allow foreign journalists access to Gaza, citing the urgent need for independent reporting amid the worsening humanitarian crisis.