Overview

• Defense Minister Israel Katz demanded the release of all hostages and the disarmament of Hamas, warning Gaza City would be destroyed if the terms are not met.
• Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed a mediated two-stage release plan and ordered talks aimed at the immediate return of all captives, including the bodies of those confirmed dead.
• IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said the security cabinet–approved ground operation around Gaza City is expanding, with new calls for residents to evacuate south and leaflets dropped over Jabalia.
• Israel’s Channel 12 reported that a full push into Gaza City’s center is expected in mid-September, contingent on recalled reservists reporting for duty.
• UN agencies flagged a famine emergency in Gaza and OCHA warned Israel’s plan would have disastrous consequences for 2.4 million residents, as domestic protests and strikes intensify in Israel.