Israel’s army chief of staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, has reportedly urged the government to accept a new deal that could secure the release of the remaining hostages in Gaza.
According to reports, Zamir said the military had created the conditions for an agreement and that the decision now rests with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The proposal—brokered by mediators in Egypt and Qatar—was accepted by Hamas last week. It suggests a 60-day truce during which around half of the hostages would be freed in two stages, followed by negotiations on a permanent ceasefire.
Israel’s leadership, however, has insisted that all hostages must be released at once, casting doubt on whether the deal will move forward.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which represents relatives of those captured, said Zamir’s position reflected the will of most Israelis who want both an end to the war and the safe return of loved ones. Mass protests are planned for Tuesday to press the government to act.
Meanwhile, fighting in Gaza has intensified. Over the weekend, Israeli airstrikes and tank fire pounded Gaza City ahead of a planned ground offensive. Officials have said the operation would push more than a million people southward into already overcrowded camps, though no timeline has been announced.
Netanyahu has vowed to expand military operations, despite growing criticism from the international community and warnings from Zamir himself. The army chief has reportedly cautioned against a full occupation, arguing it could jeopardize hostages’ lives and overstretch the military.
The humanitarian toll in Gaza continues to worsen. Nearly 1.9 million people—about 90% of the population—have been displaced. A UN-backed monitor recently declared famine in Gaza City, with more than half a million people facing starvation. Israel has denied the famine reports, but aid agencies warn that restrictions on food and supplies are driving the crisis.
The war began after the Hamas attack on 7 October 2023, which left around 1,200 people dead and over 250 taken hostage. Since then, more than 62,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s offensive, according to figures shared by health officials in Gaza.