Israel's Minister of Defense, Yoav Gallant, held a meeting on Monday with the family members of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, as he does on a weekly basis.
To bypass Hamas, Israeli humanitarian aid to Gaza will be delivered through a reopened crossing on the northeastern side of the Strip, Israel's War Cabinet decided.
United States National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan highlighted that the negotiators have come to an "understanding" on the basic contours of a hostage deal to release hostages held by the Hamas terror group in exchange for a temporary ceasefire in Gaza, as reported by CNN.
Their discussion focused on efforts to return 134 hostages home, operational developments in Hamas strongholds in central and southern Gaza, and humanitarian aid efforts facilitated by Israel, together with US leadership and international partners.
Minister Gallant discussed operational developments in Gaza and detailed the IDF's achievements in targeting Hamas leadership and infrastructure, as well as efforts to return the hostages.
This statement represents the most explicit deadline yet for potential Israeli military action in the southern Gaza city, where over 1 million displaced Palestinians seek refuge near the Egyptian border.
Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday rejected a plan for unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state and international dictates regarding a permanent settlement with the Palestinians.
Detailing the rescue operation in Gaza's southern Rafah neighbourhood, Israel Defence Force (IDF) spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said that it was a joint operation of the IDF with Shin Bet security service and the Special Police Unit.