The meeting was thought to be the first meeting between a senior Israeli official and Qatari officials since Hamas's response to the hostage deal proposal. Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer met with senior Qatari officials in France,

Israel is studying Hamas' response to a proposal for a 60-day ceasefire and release of half the hostages still held in Gaza, two Israeli officials said, although one source reiterated that all Israeli captives must be freed for the war to end.

As Egypt and Qatar step up pressure on Hamas in hostage talks, expert Lt.-Col. (Res.) Alon Eviatar says the group remains unmoved, using threats to stall IDF action in Gaza City.

This comes amid reports that mediators in the ceasefire negotiations in the Gaza Strip have submitted a new proposal to Hamas aimed at resuming negotiations

Israel has called up 60,000 reservists to report for duty, the military said Wednesday. Another 20,000 reservists will have their service extended under what officials call the next phase of Operation Gideon’s Chariots,