Israel's security cabinet approved plans to occupy Gaza, a move that shifts focus from freeing hostages to toppling Hamas. The occupation would entail legal and humanitarian responsibilities for over two million Gazans, requiring Israel to rebuild civilian infrastructure and manage daily needs, a task fraught with challenges and risks of inciting future terrorism

It is too soon to say if the muscle flexed by far-right minister Bezalel Smotrich will lead to his resignation, or if the rising global pressure will lead to a deal. The takeover of Gaza City is two months away – and mediators may use that time to reach a cease-fire