Israel will return to the negotiating table for a cease fire with "Hamas". This was stated on Friday by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, quoted by AP.
The announcement marks another attempt to reach a deal to end the devastating war in Gaza, in exchange for the release of Israeli hostages. Efforts by the United States, Qatar and Egypt to negotiate a ceasefire appear stalled as the war enters its sixth month.
We recall that earlier "Hamas" offered a phased release of all remaining hostages in exchange for an end to the war and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
Netanyahu called these conditions a delusion and said that after each hostage release, Israel would continue to fight until "Hamas" not be destroyed.
The Palestinian group is believed to be holding around 100 hostages, as well as the remains of around 30 people killed in the October 7 attack.
Israel's war in Gaza has killed more than 32,000 people and injured 74,000, according to the territory's Ministry of Health.
In a legally binding order, the UN's top court says Israel must open more land crossings to Gaza for food, water, fuel and other critical supplies.
The International Court of Justice issued two new so-called interim measures on Thursday in a case brought by South Africa accusing Israel of acts of genocide in its war in Gaza - charges Israel strongly denies.
The UN has reported that 2.3 million people are starving in Gaza. Aid deliveries have been hampered by Israeli military restrictions, ongoing hostilities and disruption of public order, according to the UN and international humanitarian groups.