Israel signals renewed Gaza ceasefire talks while planning Gaza City push

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered negotiators to resume talks aimed at securing the release of all remaining hostages and advancing a ceasefire framework, even as the Israel Defense Forces intensify operations around Gaza City. The dual-track approach points to a potential inflection in a grinding conflict.

Overnight bombardments and preparations for a major ground push continued, with the government authorising the call-up of tens of thousands of reservists. Evacuation notices and humanitarian concerns have mounted as residents flee hard-hit neighbourhoods.

Mediators say Hamas has accepted a 60-day truce proposal involving staged hostage releases and prisoner exchanges; Israel insists any deal must ensure the return of all captives and address security conditions.

International pressure is rising for an immediate de-escalation amid alarming civilian tolls and restricted access for aid agencies and media. Domestic political pressures on Netanyahu from both hawkish partners and families of hostages complicate decision-making.

Talks in the coming days will test whether battlefield momentum can coexist with diplomacy — or whether the planned Gaza City operation eclipses any breakthrough on a sustained truce