Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ruled out a ceasefire in Gaza, declaring 'this is a time for war' as Israeli forces advance on Gaza City. In a press conference on Monday, Netanyahu said the military offensive created opportunities to free hostages, which Hamas would only release under pressure.
Israeli forces appear to be advancing in two directions on Gaza City, with tanks cutting the main north-south Salah al-Din road south of the city. If confirmed, this would isolate Gaza City from the south, effectively laying siege to the urban area. The Israeli air force reported striking 600 targets in the last day, while ground forces operated near the Mediterranean coast and on the outskirts of the Zaytun and Shejaiya neighbourhoods.
Hamas released a video of three Israeli hostages—Daniel Aloni, Rimon Kirsht, and Elena Trupanov—in an apparent effort to pressure Netanyahu's government. Their families held a press conference in Tel Aviv, urging the Red Cross to demand access to all hostages and calling on US President Joe Biden to 'do any and everything in your power to bring everyone home.' Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces confirmed the rescue of a captured soldier, Ori Megidish, in an overnight operation.
Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry reported that Israeli strikes have killed 8,306 Palestinians since 7 October, including 3,457 children. UNICEF highlighted that more than 420 children are being killed or injured daily in Gaza, a figure that 'should shake each of us to our core.' Save the Children stated that one child is being killed every ten minutes.
Israeli forces also struck targets in Syria and Lebanon in response to launches from those areas. The International Criminal Court prosecutor Karim Khan said the ICC has active investigations into alleged war crimes in Israel, Gaza, and the West Bank, adding that 'there should not be any impediment to humanitarian relief supplies going to civilians.'
