Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has postponed making a decision on the IDF’s actions in Gaza after Hamas abandoned hostage and ceasefire negotiations, CNN reported on Friday, citing a source familiar with the subject.
The source told the American left-leaning news site that a decision will not be reached at the end of this week as planned.
“At the same time, Israel and the United States will work to increase humanitarian aid, while continuing military operations in Gaza,” the official added.
CNN noted that there are several options that the Israeli government is considering, ranging from encircling Gaza City or other high-population areas to conquering Gaza.
American and Israeli officials were coming to a new understanding on the war in Gaza after Hamas withdrew from ceasefire negotiations, The Jerusalem Post reported on Thursday.
Netanyahu to assess IDF operations in Gaza
“Hamas has cut off contact,” an Israeli source told the Post. “There are no real negotiations with them.”
Hamas has also partially severed ties with Qatar and Egypt, another official familiar with the talks told the Post.“At the moment, they are primarily engaged in talks with Turkey,” the source said.
The report came as US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff visits Israel to assess the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and coordinate positions on the war with Netanyahu.
Amichai Stein contributed to this report.