Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to intensify the offensive to pressure Hamas into further concessions.
Netanyahu said in a video message on Wednesday: “We are now dividing the Strip and we are increasing pressure step by step so they will give us our hostages,”
Netanyahu wants Hamas: 1. to release the 59 remaining Israeli captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and aid, 2. but without Israel committing to end the war or pull out troops.
For a final ceasefire deal, Netanyahu: 1. insists Hamas must disarm - a demand the group calls a “red line” 2. and has openly backed plans for Israel to seize security control of Gaza and push Palestinians out.
Hamas: 1. calls for a return to the previously agreed three-stage ceasefire framework 2. and has offered to free all the captives at once in return for a permanent ceasefire.