Overview

• Israel’s security cabinet voted to implement Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s five-point framework aimed at defeating Hamas and establishing sole Israeli security control over Gaza City.
• The approved plan centers on disarming Hamas, securing the return of all hostages, demilitarizing the Gaza Strip, installing Israeli security forces and setting up an alternative civilian administration.
• The Israel Defense Forces are positioning ground units for an operation to seize Gaza City and have vowed to deliver humanitarian relief outside designated combat zones.
• Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced a suspension of German arms exports that could be used in Gaza, marking a rare break by one of Israel’s closest allies.
• The United Nations and the Palestinian Authority have condemned the offensive, with UN officials demanding an immediate halt, and Lieutenant-General Eyal Zamir warning that the campaign may endanger remaining hostages and Israeli troops.