Overview

• Defense Minister Israel Katz authorized the army’s plan to seize Gaza City and approved mobilization orders for roughly 60,000 reservists, with some service extensions reported.
• Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the timetable shortened, as the IDF reported targeted operations in Gaza City areas such as Zeitoun and Jabalya and outlined plans to move civilians south with aid provision.
• Qatar and other mediators say Hamas gave a positive response to an updated Steve Witkoff framework featuring a 60‑day pause and limited hostage exchanges, while Israel continues to insist on the release of all roughly 50 captives.
• An Israeli planning committee advanced E1 settlement construction near Maale Adumim, drawing fresh international criticism, with UN chief António Guterres urging an immediate Gaza ceasefire and a reversal of the West Bank decision.
• Israeli media and officials signaled a potentially prolonged campaign, families of hostages rallied against an expanded offensive, and Gaza’s Hamas‑run health authorities reported more than 62,000 deaths since the war began.