Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday he was open to a temporary ceasefire in Gaza to facilitate hostage releases.
His remarks came amid growing international pressure over Israel’s ongoing offensive and an aid blockade in the besieged Palestinian territory.
“If there is an option for a temporary ceasefire to free hostages, we’ll be ready,” Netanyahu said, confirming at least 20 hostages remain alive.
However, he reaffirmed Israel’s goal to bring all of Gaza under military control by the end of the current operation.
Netanyahu also stressed the need to avoid a humanitarian crisis to maintain Israel’s freedom of military action in the enclave.
Earlier in the day, Israeli troops fired “warning shots” near a group of foreign diplomats visiting Jenin in the occupied West Bank.
The Palestinian foreign ministry accused Israel of deliberately targeting the delegation, which included European officials inspecting the aftermath of Israeli raids.
The Israeli military claimed the group had strayed into a restricted zone and said no injuries occurred, expressing regret for the “inconvenience.”
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called the shooting “unbearable” and urged a full investigation and accountability for those responsible.
The incident added to global alarm over the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Gaza, where food, medicine, and clean water remain scarce.
Palestinian health workers reported 19 people killed overnight in Israeli airstrikes, including a week-old infant.
Israel allowed aid into Gaza for the first time since March 2, but humanitarian groups said it was vastly insufficient.
Displaced Gazans, like Umm Talal al-Masri, described the crisis as “unbearable,” saying they survive by grinding lentils to make bread.
European nations, including Sweden and the UK, have responded by reviewing trade ties and pressing for sanctions on Israeli officials.
The war’s toll continues to mount, with Gaza’s health ministry reporting over 53,000 dead since October.