JERUSALEM, Aug 6: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hinted at wider military action in Gaza, despite former Israeli army and intelligence chiefs calling for an end to the nearly 22-month war. The Palestinian death toll has surpassed 61,000, with health officials reporting new deaths of hungry Palestinians seeking food at distribution points. The Israeli defense body coordinating aid announced a deal with local merchants to improve aid deliveries. Former leaders of Israel’s Shin Bet internal security service, Mossad spy agency, and the military, as well as ex-Prime Minister Ehud Barak, have called far-right members of the government holding Israel “hostage” in prolonging the conflict.
Netanyahu convened his Security Cabinet to direct the military on the war’s next stage, hinting that even tougher action was possible. However, the meeting wrapped up hours later without any announcements about Israel’s plans. US President Donald Trump said he was not aware of the “suggestion” but that “it is going to be pretty much up to Israel.”
Israeli forces opened fire on Tuesday morning toward Palestinians seeking aid and in targeted attacks in central and southern Gaza, killing at least 45 people. Health officials in Gaza said Israeli forces opened fire toward Palestinians seeking aid and in targeted attacks in central and southern Gaza, killing at least 26 people. (AP)
