Netanyahu Orders Ceasefire Talks Amid Gaza City Assault Plan

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Thursday that he has directed officials to start negotiations for the release of all remaining hostages held in Gaza and to end the conflict on terms "acceptable to Israel".

At the same time, Netanyahu said his cabinet had approved a large-scale offensive on Gaza City, despite considerable international and domestic criticism.

Ceasefire proposal: Earlier this week, a deal brokered by Qatari and Egyptian mediators suggested a 60-day ceasefire in exchange for the release of half the hostages. Hamas has agreed to the proposal, but Israel has yet to accept it.

Netanyahu stated: "I have instructed to immediately begin negotiations for the release of all our hostages."

"I have also approved the IDF's plan to take control of Gaza City and defeat Hamas," he added, stressing that both objectives are intertwined.

Israeli officials argue that a deal releasing only some hostages is unacceptable. They estimate only 20 of the original 50 hostages remain alive after nearly two years of conflict.

The Israeli military has warned medical authorities and aid groups to prepare for the evacuation of over one million civilians from Gaza City ahead of the planned operation.

"Negotiations for a full hostage release move forward even as Israel prepares for a major offensive in Gaza City."

This topic was reported by BBC News.

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