Daijiworld Media Network- Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv, Aug 22: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday announced that he is prepared to give the final nod for the takeover of Gaza City, even as negotiations are being revived with Hamas over a possible ceasefire and the release of remaining hostages.
According to reports, Netanyahu is expected to meet senior security officials to approve a full-scale operation in Gaza City in the coming days. The Israeli military has already begun preparations by calling on medical staff and aid agencies in northern Gaza to relocate south, while also summoning 60,000 reservists and extending the service of 20,000 personnel.
The development comes despite Hamas stating earlier this week that it had accepted a ceasefire proposal brokered by Egypt and Qatar, which is nearly identical to an agreement previously accepted by Israel. The draft calls for the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, Israeli troop pullbacks, and further talks on a permanent ceasefire.
During his visit to the army’s Gaza command base in southern Israel, Netanyahu said defeating Hamas and securing the release of hostages were “two goals that go hand in hand.” He stressed that negotiations would proceed, but only “on terms acceptable to Israel.”
On the ground, the Israeli military has already launched limited raids in Gaza City’s Zeitoun neighborhood and Jabaliya refugee camp. Officials said operations will now focus on areas not yet entered by ground forces, where Hamas still maintains its presence.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian toll continued to rise, with at least 36 Palestinians killed in strikes across Gaza on Thursday, according to hospitals. The Gaza Health Ministry reported that more than 62,000 people have died since the war began in October 2023, when Hamas-led militants launched an unprecedented attack that killed over 1,200 people in Israel and took 251 hostages. Israel believes around 20 hostages remain alive in Gaza.
Protests erupted both inside Gaza and in Israel. Hundreds in Gaza City carried placards reading “Save Gaza” and “Stop the war” as they rallied against further displacement. In Tel Aviv, families of hostages demanded the government halt expanded military action, warning it could endanger their loved ones.
International voices have also expressed alarm. UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged Israel to halt its planned offensive, warning it would lead to “massive death and destruction.” Western allies of Israel, except the United States, have echoed similar calls.
The situation remains volatile, with Israel signaling readiness for escalation while still leaving a window open for mediated ceasefire talks.