WORLD

"Netanyahu Approves Gaza City Offensive Amid Ceasefire Talks"

22.08.2025 5,16 B 5 Mins Read

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Thursday that he will grant final approval for the military takeover of Gaza City while also initiating negotiations with Hamas aimed at securing the release of remaining hostages and concluding the conflict on Israel's terms. The large-scale military operation in Gaza City is anticipated to commence within days, following a meeting with senior security officials. However, no decision was communicated before midnight in Jerusalem.

Earlier this week, Hamas indicated its acceptance of a ceasefire proposal put forth by Arab mediators, which, if approved by Israel, could halt the planned offensive. The Israeli military has started reaching out to medical professionals and international organizations urging them to evacuate from the northern Gaza Strip to the southern region ahead of the expanded military operation. The military is preparing to mobilize 60,000 reservists and extend the service of an additional 20,000.

On the ground, Israeli airstrikes led to the deaths of at least 36 Palestinians across Gaza on Thursday, as reported by local hospitals. A renewed offensive could exacerbate the situation, resulting in even more casualties and further displacement in a territory already ravaged by war, where tens of thousands have died, and warnings of imminent famine have been issued.

Concerns are rising among Israelis that the planned military operation could endanger the remaining hostages taken by Hamas during the October 7, 2023, attack, which initiated the current conflict. Netanyahu stated that he would approve the army's plans to recapture Gaza City and instructed officials to begin immediate negotiations for the release of hostages and to conclude the war under conditions acceptable to Israel.

He emphasized that efforts to defeat Hamas and secure the release of hostages are interconnected. This statement seemed to be Israel's first public reaction to the latest ceasefire proposal developed by Egypt and Qatar, which bears similarities to a previous plan agreed upon by Israel last month before negotiations stalled. The proposal includes the potential release of some hostages in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel, as well as a planned withdrawal of Israeli forces and discussions over establishing a more enduring ceasefire.

Israeli troops have already initiated limited operations in Gaza City's Zeitoun neighborhood and the densely populated Jabaliya refugee camp, areas previously targeted during the conflict. The military claims control over approximately 75% of Gaza, while residents express that no area feels safe.

Simultaneously, demonstrations took place both in Gaza and Israel. Hundreds protested in Gaza City against the ongoing war and Israel's plans for the mass relocation of Palestinians. Participants held placards demanding the end of the war and expressing their wish to remain in their homeland. On the other side, protesters in Tel Aviv demanded the return of hostages and questioned the implications of Netanyahu's military strategy.

In addition to the conflicts, the domestic situation worsens. The Gaza Health Ministry reported that at least 62,192 Palestinians have been killed in the war, with the ministry characterizing half of the casualties as women and children. The total also includes deaths attributed to malnutrition-related causes, reflecting the dire humanitarian crisis in the region. The ministry, which is associated with the Hamas-run government, has been cited by independent experts as a reliable source regarding wartime casualties, although Israel disputes these figures without offering its own alternative data.

The war began with the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths, primarily among civilians, and the abduction of 251 individuals. While some hostages have been released during ceasefires, Hamas insists that further releases depend on a lasting ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli troops.

Related Post