Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains firm on maintaining control over Gaza's border with Egypt, a stance that has become a major hurdle in cease-fire negotiations. Despite mounting pressure from U.S. President Joe Biden and mass protests in Israel, Netanyahu has refused to agree to a cease-fire deal with Hamas, insisting that Israeli forces must remain to prevent Hamas from rearming. The discovery of six Israeli hostages' bodies in Gaza has intensified public outrage, leading to widespread protests and criticism against Netanyahu for not securing their release alive. Gershon Baskin, an Israeli hostage negotiator, has reinitiated contact with Hamas official Ghazi Hamid in hopes of facilitating future peace talks. The UK has announced a suspension of some arms exports to Israel due to concerns over potential violations of international humanitarian law.