Overview

• Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will ask the security cabinet on Thursday to greenlight a full military occupation of the Gaza Strip.
• The Israel Defense Forces have declared they are ready to carry out any political decision, even as Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir cautioned that it could endanger Israeli hostages.
• Military intelligence estimates only 20 of the 50 hostages held in central Gaza are still alive, raising concerns about the timing of the offensive.
• The European Union has formally rejected any demographic or territorial changes in Gaza, insisting the enclave remain part of a future Palestinian state.
• President Trump has reportedly given his approval for the planned operation, securing U.S. backing ahead of the cabinet vote.