Overview

• Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directed the IDF to seize the remaining Gaza territory, including areas believed to hold Israeli captives, pending security cabinet sign-off
• U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff is pressing an ‘all-or-nothing’ framework for the simultaneous release of the roughly 50 hostages after recent videos showed emaciated detainees
• UN agencies warn that near-famine conditions are worsening in Gaza as land crossings remain tightly controlled and limited air drops deliver only marginal aid
• France, the UK and Canada have conditionally pledged to recognise Palestinian statehood at the UN General Assembly and Australia is debating a similar move after Anthony Albanese sought talks with Netanyahu
• The escalation has deepened Israeli divisions, with hostage families and peace activists demanding an immediate ceasefire and right-wing hard-liners pushing for expanded occupation and annexation