Tens of thousands of Israelis have protested the takeover plan in recent days, with Netanyahu’s own national security advisor also reportedly opposed
August 10, 2025 10:16
US special envoy Steve Witkoff met Qatari Prime Minister Abdulrahman al-Thani in Spain on Saturday to discuss a comprehensive ceasefire-hostage deal aimed at ending the Gaza war and securing the release of the 50 remaining Israeli captives, Axios reported.
The talks come amid frantic international efforts to dissuade Israel from pressing ahead with its newly approved plan to seize Gaza City and potentially occupy the entire Strip.
Hamas-linked sources told Ynet that the US, Qatar and Egypt are mediating intensive negotiations to avert a full Israeli occupation. The proposal under discussion reportedly includes a permanent ceasefire, full Israeli withdrawal, the disarmament of Palestinian armed factions, the exile of Hamas’s military leaders, and the formation of a new civilian authority in Gaza. Hamas has signalled it would resume fighting if the offer is rejected.
The cabinet’s decision early Friday morning to advance on Gaza City has drawn criticism both internationally and domestically, with hostage families warning the move endangers captives. Tens of thousands of Israelis joined anti-war demonstrations in Tel Aviv and other cities on Saturday, demanding a negotiated end to the conflict.
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