Israel Approves Massive Gaza City Offensive Amid Ceasefire Proposal

Israel is advancing plans for a major ground offensive aimed at capturing Gaza City, the stronghold of Hamas, as part of Operation Gideon's Chariots. Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir has approved a comprehensive battle plan involving around 80,000 troops, with preparations underway for intense urban combat that requires coordination with humanitarian organizations to address civilian needs. While Hamas has expressed agreement to a ceasefire proposal brokered by Egypt and Qatar, Israel insists on a framework that includes the release of all hostages and Hamas disarming before halting operations. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli government continue to emphasize the goal of decisively defeating Hamas and securing hostages, with the security cabinet authorizing mobilization of over 400,000 reserve troops to sustain the offensive. Concurrently, Israel is considering controversial settlement construction in the West Bank's E1 area, which could impede the territorial contiguity of a future Palestinian state, drawing international concern. Hamas condemns the Israeli plans as war crimes and warns of mass displacement and civilian suffering amid the ongoing conflict.