DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was expected to give final approval Thursday for plans to take over Gaza City, an operation that could start within days. The widening of the 22-month offensive against Hamas appears to be proceeding despite protests in both Israel and the Palestinian enclave.

Netanyahu states that the offensive on the Strip’s capital is continuing while announcing talks to free all hostages held by Hamas

President Trump said Monday that Hamas cannot be allowed to stay in the Gaza Strip due to the horrors of the Oct. 7 terrorist attack — as he weighs the risks of Israel’s looming invasion

Hamas said Monday it has accepted a new proposal from Arab mediators for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip as Israel indicated its positions haven't changed, while Gaza's Health Ministry said the Palestinian death toll from 22 months of war has passed 62,

Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry says it rejects "any step that would undermine what remains of the health system".

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.

Israel has said it will conquer Gaza regardless of any ceasefire agreement with Hamas, as it increased its new offensive in the strip. At least 11 Palestinians were killed in Israeli bombings in Gaza city,

Planes drop aid over Al-Zawayda in the central Gaza Strip. The airdrop takes place after Israel's defence ministry approved plans to capture Hamas's last major stronghold, deepening fears the campaign will worsen the already catastrophic humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian territory.

Al-Hayek stresses that the Palestinian Authority should govern Gaza after the war and urges international backing for reconstruction. GAZA CITY - Munther Al-Hayek, spokesperson for the Palestinian Fatah Movement in the Gaza Strip,