Overview

• Israeli commanders say preliminary operations are underway around Gaza City, with five divisions set to participate and 60,000 additional reservists to be recalled by early September.
• Defense Minister Israel Katz approved the plan to seize Gaza City as Netanyahu pushes to shorten timelines, with the army describing a potentially months‑long urban campaign.
• The UN human rights office reports heavy civilian casualties and large‑scale displacement from intensified bombardments, as hospitals and NGOs were asked to prepare for evacuations in the north.
• Mediators’ proposal outlines a 60‑day truce with phased hostage releases; Hamas says it agreed, Israel has not formally accepted, and the army counts 49 captives remaining, including 27 declared dead.
• Separately, Israel approved 3,400 housing units in the West Bank’s E1 area, drawing a joint condemnation from 21 countries and warnings from the UN and EU that the plan would sever the territory and undermine a two‑state solution, while 27 countries urged Israel to allow independent foreign media into Gaza.