NewzVille International
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to convene his security cabinet determine Israel’s next steps in Gaza, following the collapse of indirect ceasefire talks with Hamas.
The high-level meeting comes just a day before the UN Security Council is scheduled to discuss the fate of hostages still held in the Palestinian territory.
Last Saturday, during his visit to Israel, U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff said he was working with the Israeli government on a plan aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza. However, Israeli officials have also proposed alternative strategies, including expanding the military offensive and even annexing parts of Gaza.
The failed ceasefire negotiations, held in Doha, sought to finalize a U.S.-backed proposal for a 60-day truce, during which humanitarian aid would be flown into Gaza and half of the hostages held by Hamas would be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners jailed in Israel.
While Witkoff’s visit was initially seen as a “very significant” step toward resolution, momentum quickly faded. By Sunday, an Israeli official declared that further pursuit of a deal would be “pointless” and threatened more military force.
