Gaza City / Jerusalem , August 21(HS): Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday he will give final approval for the military seizure of Gaza City, even as he pledged to reopen negotiations with Hamas for the release of captives and a possible end to the nearly two-year-long war — but strictly on Israel’s terms.

The large-scale assault, which could launch within days, would forcibly displace up to one million Palestinians and demolish much of Gaza City, the densely populated heart of the besieged enclave. Israeli forces have already intensified bombardments and advanced tanks into the city, pushing thousands of residents to flee southward.

Netanyahu’s announcement comes despite Hamas’s acceptance of a ceasefire proposal from mediators Qatar and Egypt, urging a 60-day truce tied to prisoner swaps. The deal envisions the release of 10 living captives, 18 bodies, and 200 Palestinian prisoners, later paving the way to talks on a permanent ceasefire. Israel, however, has not endorsed the terms.

Meanwhile, the humanitarian toll deepens. At least 48 Palestinians, including 16 waiting for aid, were killed in Israeli strikes on Thursday. Two more people died of starvation, bringing the war’s hunger-related death toll to 271, among them 112 children. UN agencies warn that further mass displacement will push shelters and food supplies to collapse, with 90 percent of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents already uprooted.

Analysts criticized Netanyahu’s stance as “negotiation under fire,” with many accusing Israel of dictating terms while accelerating civilian suffering with a “systematic destruction” of Gaza’s health and aid systems.

For many trapped inside Gaza City, the choice remains agonizing. “We are facing a bitter, bitter situation — to die at home or leave and die somewhere else. Survival is uncertain,” said Rabah Abu Elias, 67, as explosions echoed nearby.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar