Overview

• Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich declared that destroying Hamas takes precedence over rescuing hostages, sparking backlash from families and officials.
• Hamas negotiators in Cairo propose a long-term truce in exchange for releasing hostages, but talks remain deadlocked as Israel insists on Hamas's disarmament.
• Israeli airstrikes on Gaza have killed at least 28 people in the last 24 hours and destroyed equipment vital for clearing rubble and rescuing trapped civilians.
• Humanitarian agencies condemn Israel's total blockade, warning of worsening starvation and health crises, with polio vaccinations for 600,000 children now suspended.
• The Palestinian Red Crescent and international groups reject Israel's investigation into the March killings of 15 aid workers, demanding independent accountability.