Netanyahu to Direct IDF on Gaza War Objectives Amid Calls to End Offensive

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to convene the security cabinet next week to provide directives to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on achieving three key objectives in the ongoing Gaza conflict. This decision follows the IDF's push to expand its offensive operations in the region.

In a related development, a group of former senior Israeli military and intelligence officials, including ex-IDF Chief of Staff and former Prime Minister Ehud Barak, have publicly called for an immediate cessation of the military campaign in Gaza. They argue that the conflict has deviated from its initial purpose and is now compromising Israel's security, international standing, and national identity.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate. The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry reported that five adults died from hunger or malnutrition in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of such deaths to 180, including 93 children.

Domestically, tensions are rising. Five Israeli citizens were arrested during a police blockade of a march to the Gaza border, where demonstrators called for an end to the siege on the enclave.

Internationally, U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson visited the West Bank, speaking at a conference in the settlement of Ariel. This marks one of the highest-ranking visits by a U.S. elected official to the area.

Additionally, over 100 journalists, photographers, and war correspondents have signed a petition demanding immediate and unsupervised foreign press access to the Gaza Strip, as reported by Sky News.

In the Knesset, Likud Member Tally Gotliv told families of hostages to "shut up," suggesting that public statements could hinder the return of their loved ones. Far-right MK Simcha Rothman expressed opposition to viewing and publishing videos of hostages held by Hamas, labeling them as part of Hamas' propaganda efforts. The Hostage Families group responded, criticizing Rothman's remarks as indicative of "heartlessness."

Survivors of Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack on Israel have announced plans to hold a separate memorial ceremony on the two-year anniversary, opting to boycott the official state-run event.

In other developments, a 20-year-old Palestinian detainee died in Israel's Megiddo Prison after being held without trial since May. He is the sixth prisoner to die in the facility since the war began in October 2023.