Overview

• Netanyahu said he approved the military plan to capture Gaza City and instructed immediate negotiations for the release of all hostages under terms acceptable to Israel.
• The Israeli military reports the first phase is underway, claiming control of outer districts, conducting preparatory strikes and preparing to deploy five divisions for the operation.
• Defense Minister Israel Katz authorized the mobilization of roughly 60,000 reservists, with service extensions planned for about 20,000 additional personnel.
• U.S., Qatari and Egyptian mediators are still awaiting an official Israeli response to an adjusted Steve Witkoff proposal for a 60‑day pause with an initial exchange of roughly ten living hostages for Palestinian prisoners.
• The army has warned hospitals and aid agencies to prepare for mass southward evacuations, as the ICRC, UN OCHA and UNRWA caution that an assault on the city could have catastrophic humanitarian consequences.