Overview
- Netanyahu has decided to order the Israel Defense Forces to occupy the 25% of Gaza not yet under its control, including areas where hostages are believed to be held.
- IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir warned that a full occupation could entrap Israeli forces in hostile territory and endanger the remaining hostages.
- Qatar-mediated ceasefire talks have collapsed after Hamas rejected the latest proposal, leaving diplomatic efforts stalled.
- COGAT has approved allowing select private merchants to deliver goods into Gaza to bolster aid distribution as famine warnings intensify.
- US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff is in Israel pursuing a new diplomatic plan to end the conflict and secure hostage releases.