Israel is now pursuing a comprehensive deal to release all hostages held by Hamas, moving away from earlier plans for a partial release and temporary truce. Hamas leaders are in Cairo for preliminary talks with Egyptian mediators, who see a limited window to advance a deal, BBC reported.

Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes continue across Gaza, hitting Gaza City and surrounding areas. The Hamas-run health ministry reports at least 123 deaths in the past day, including children. Israel has begun new operations in Zaytoun, with military plans approved for the wider Gaza offensive.

Netanyahu insists the war will end only when all hostages are returned and Hamas surrenders, while Hamas demands a full Israeli withdrawal, prisoner exchanges, and refuses to disarm without a Palestinian state.

Humanitarian conditions in Gaza are dire, with UN agencies warning of widespread famine and malnutrition amid ongoing strikes, according to BBC.