Overview

• Hostage families organized today’s nationwide strike, with thousands blocking highways and shutting businesses to press for a ceasefire and the release of about 50 captives held in Gaza.
• Protesters fear that an imminent IDF offensive to seize Gaza City could kill the estimated 20 surviving hostages among those still held by Hamas.
• Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed he will accept only an “all-in-one” deal that meets stringent Israeli security conditions, rejecting any agreement that leaves Hamas in power.
• The Israeli military has approved plans to expand its operation to capture Gaza City and prepare southward population transfers, including allowing the import of tents through the Kerem Shalom crossing.
• United Nations experts and Gaza health authorities have warned of rapidly worsening humanitarian conditions in the territory, citing high civilian casualties and the risk of widespread famine.