Hamas-led fighters killed about 1,200 people in Israel and took about 250 others back to Gaza as hostages in their surprise attack of Oct. 7, 2023. Israel responded with a military campaign that has killed many of the militant group’s top leaders.

Even with ceasefire talks ongoing, Israel is pressing ahead with plans to capture Gaza City, the densely populated heart of the enclave. Mr Netanyahu confirmed earlier this month that the security cabinet had approved an operation to retake the city despite growing international condemnation.