Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday said he had ordered the beginning of immediate negotiations to release the remaining Israeli captives in Gaza.
“I have instructed to immediately begin negotiations for the release of all our hostages and the end of the war under conditions acceptable to Israel,” the prime minister said in a video statement during a visit with the Gaza division, adding that he was approving the military’s plan to take over Gaza City.
Hamas earlier this week accepted a ceasefire proposal by Egypt and Qatar that would see the release of half the Israeli captives, all military-aged men, as part of a 60 day ceasefire.
Israel did not respond to the proposal.
