Overview

• Over 550 former Mossad, Shin Bet and military officials published an open letter to President Trump calling for an immediate ceasefire and hostage negotiations in Gaza.
• Signatories argue that Israel has achieved its military goals of dismantling Hamas’s armed and governing structures and that the remaining priority is securing the release of around 49 captives.
• Newly released videos of emaciated hostages Rom Braslavski and Evyatar David have intensified domestic and international pressure for swift action on their welfare.
• Israel’s UN Ambassador announced that the Security Council will convene an emergency session to address the worsening plight of hostages in Gaza.
• Despite mounting dissent, Prime Minister Netanyahu plans to issue fresh military directives this week, including options to expand the offensive across the Gaza Strip.