Israel's military has taken the first steps of a planned operation to take over Gaza City, Israeli military spokesman Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin said on Wednesday.

Israel is studying Hamas' response to a proposal for a 60-day ceasefire and release of half the hostages still held in Gaza, two Israeli officials said, although one source reiterated that all Israeli captives must be freed for the war to end.

Hamas said that Israel's plan to relocate residents from Gaza City constitutes a "new wave of genocide and displacement" for hundreds of thousands.

In an escalating international dispute, Israel launched a series of diplomatic attacks against several of its Western allies as they prepare to recognize a Palestinian state next month.

Rep. Wesley Bell (D-Mo.) faced backlash at a town hall event for his support of Israel during the ongoing Middle East conflict and war in Gaza.

Few of the Israelis taken hostage in the Hamas-led attack on Oct. 7, 2023, have drawn as much attention as the Bibas family — two parents and two small children. For many Israelis, their abductions came to symbolize the brutality of the assault.