Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh has expressed the group’s eagerness to reach a comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza. He urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to end the ongoing conflict and facilitate a deal for the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. However, Netanyahu has rejected Hamas’ demand for Israel to withdraw from Gaza, stating that capitulating would be a defeat.
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has indicated that Israel has detected signs that Hamas is not interested in a hostage deal, and the Israeli army will launch an offensive in southern Gaza in the near future. French President Emmanuel Macron has encouraged Netanyahu to continue negotiations with Hamas towards a truce in Gaza and the release of hostages. Chinese President Xi Jinping also arrived in France for a state visit while Hezbollah fired rockets into northern Israel.
The Lebanese counterattack on Israel marked one of Lebanon’s largest barrages during the conflict. The Israeli army closed the main humanitarian aid crossing point to the Gaza Strip, Kerem Shalom, after it was targeted by rocket fire. The situation remains tense, with ongoing conflicts and diplomatic efforts to reach a resolution.
