The spokesperson for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the Israeli Security Cabinet will meet Tuesday evening in Jerusalem to discuss resuming negotiations on a ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza. Local media reported that the meeting will focus on these critical issues. Earlier in August, the Security Cabinet approved a plan to control Gaza City and the entire Palestinian sector with the declared goal of defeating Hamas and freeing the hostages. The Israeli army has tightened its grip on Gaza in recent days in preparation for an announced attack. However, the Prime Minister ordered the start of negotiations to release “all” hostages in Gaza following a new truce proposal accepted by Hamas from mediators including Egypt, Qatar, and the United States. Netanyahu did not explicitly address the mediators’ proposal, which calls for a 60-day ceasefire in exchange for releasing some hostages.

Meanwhile, the Hostages Families Forum called for national protests on Tuesday during the Security Cabinet meeting, emphasizing the Israeli public’s strong desire for the hostages’ return and condemning delays in signing a release agreement. Solidarity vigils were held Monday evening in Tel Aviv. The war in Gaza erupted after an unprecedented Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in 1,219 Israeli deaths, mostly civilians. Of the 251 hostages taken to Gaza that day, 49 remain, with 27 reported dead by the Israeli army. The Israeli offensive has caused at least 62,744 deaths in Gaza, mostly civilians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, figures considered reliable by the United Nations, and has led to a widespread humanitarian disaster.