Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasizes the need for the total defeat of Hamas to free the hostages, anticipating an escalation of military operations in Gaza.

Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel must defeat Hamas to free hostages and remove the threat from the Gaza Strip. In a security meeting, he stressed that the Israeli army will expand operations in areas where hostages are believed to be held. International pressure mounts on Israel over the suffering of Palestinians as bombardments continue, causing large numbers of casualties. The UN says humanitarian aid is insufficient and Hamas is open to negotiations amid an acute humanitarian crisis.