Jerusalem (EFE).- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday approved the military plan to capture Gaza City while simultaneously ordering the start of negotiations for a ceasefire in a move that underscores the dual strategy of intensifying military pressure and pursuing hostage talks.
“We are in the decision-making phase. I arrived today at the Gaza Division to approve the plans presented to me and the defense minister by the Israel Defense Forces to take Gaza City and defeat Hamas,” Netanyahu said in a video statement released by his office.
On Wednesday, the Prime Minister instructed the army to “shorten” its preparation period for the invasion, though no specific date was announced.
According to Palestinian journalists, Israeli bombardments have intensified in recent days around Gaza City, where about one million Palestinians are sheltering. Reports also point to widespread demolition of homes.
Israel’s Defense Ministry confirmed that 60,000 reservists have been called up to support the planned operations.
“At the same time, I ordered the immediate start of negotiations for the release of all our hostages and for ending the war on terms acceptable to Israel,” Netanyahu added. “These two objectives, defeating Hamas and freeing all our hostages, go hand in hand.”
Israeli authorities estimate that around 50 hostages remain in Gaza, with at least 20 still alive.
Their fate has been the center of intense international mediation efforts since the war began.
Since the conflict erupted on Oct. 7, 2023, Israeli attacks have killed at least 62,192 Palestinians, according to health authorities in Gaza controlled by Hamas.
The latest escalation has focused on Gaza City, where residents report near-constant strikes and growing fears of a full-scale ground assault.
“The bombings have not stopped; every night we hear the planes and feel the houses shaking,” one resident told EFE.
International observers warn that the planned offensive could worsen the humanitarian crisis, with nearly a million displaced civilians crowded into Gaza City and surrounding areas. EFE
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