In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing conflict, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced the initiation of talks aimed at securing the release of all remaining hostages held in Gaza, as well as seeking terms to end the war that are deemed acceptable to Israel.

Speaking to Israeli soldiers on Thursday night, Netanyahu confirmed that his cabinet has given the green light for a large-scale military assault on Gaza City, despite facing significant international and domestic backlash. This revelation comes amidst rising tensions and a humanitarian crisis.

On Monday, Hamas tentatively agreed to a 60-day ceasefire proposal, mediated by Qatar and Egypt, which could see the release of half of the hostages currently detained. However, Netanyahu rejected this initial offer, stating that Israel demands the unconditional release of all hostages.

"I have instructed to immediately begin negotiations for the release of all our hostages," Netanyahu declared during a visit to the Gaza division's headquarters. He emphasized that the goals of defeating Hamas and releasing hostages are interconnected, although he did not elaborate on the specifics of future negotiations.

In response to the ceasefire proposal, Hamas has accused Netanyahu of hindering the peace process and disregarding the mediators' efforts. As the situation deteriorates, Israeli officials have voiced firm opposition to a ceasefire that proposes only a partial release of hostages.

Last Saturday, Netanyahu's office clarified that Israel would consent to a deal only under the condition that all hostages are released simultaneously. Moreover, Israel's conditions for ending the conflict include the disarmament of Hamas, demilitarization of Gaza, Israeli control over the Gaza perimeter, and the establishment of governance free from Hamas and the Palestinian Authority.

Current estimates indicate that only 20 of the 50 hostages are still alive after 22 months of ongoing conflict. Meanwhile, heavy bombardment continues in eastern Gaza City following the military's first steps in the new offensive.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have cautioned medical officials and humanitarian organizations to prepare for a mass evacuation of Gaza City's population of one million residents, relocating them to shelters in the south prior to the troop advance.

However, Gaza's health ministry, overseen by Hamas, has rejected any actions that could jeopardize the already fragile healthcare system. The UN and various aid organizations have pledged to remain in the region to assist those unwilling or unable to evacuate.

This escalation comes after failed indirect negotiations with Hamas regarding the ceasefire and hostage release that collapsed last month. Since the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, which left around 1,200 people dead in southern Israel and resulted in 251 hostages, the Israeli military has increased its operations in Gaza.

Tragically, the health ministry in Gaza reports at least 62,192 casualties since the conflict escalated, with these figures being cited as some of the most accurate available by multiple international organizations.