Published on, Aug. 20 -- August 20, 2025 7:17 PM

JERUSALEM - Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz on Wednesday approved a plan to conquer Gaza City and authorized the call-up of 60,000 reservists, intensifying pressure on Hamas just as mediators await a response on a new ceasefire proposal. The plan, ratified earlier by Israel's security cabinet, is expected to deepen the already catastrophic humanitarian crisis in the region.

The latest ceasefire framework, backed by Hamas, offers a 60-day truce, phased hostage releases, and the entry of aid into Gaza. However, a senior Israeli official stated that Israel remains firm on its demand for all hostages to be released at once and under conditions it sets. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ...