Israel’s government has ordered a military takeover of Gaza City in what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described as a final push to topple Hamas after almost two years of war. The decision was followed by an Aug.

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.

Israelis continue to demand the release of hostages held by Hamas and an end to the Israel-Hamas war. Demonstrators do not want their government to take over Gaza and Orthodox Jews are protesting against army recruitment.