Top IDF Generals Advocate Cease-Fire in Gaza Despite Potential Hamas Continuance

Senior Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) generals are pushing for a cease-fire in Gaza, even if it means temporarily leaving Hamas in power, according to a report by the New York Times. This stance aims to secure the release of Israeli hostages, negotiate a deal with Hezbollah to avoid border conflicts, and provide time for military recuperation.

Parents of IDF spotters killed and kidnapped during the October 7 Hamas attack have vowed to fight for a state commission of inquiry into the massacre. They announced plans for public action after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu failed to meet their request for a meeting.

Despite the military's interest in a cease-fire, Netanyahu remains firm on continuing the war until all objectives, including the defeat of Hamas and the release of hostages, are achieved.

Israel has reconnected Gaza to its electric grid to restore operations at a water desalination and sewage plant near Deir al-Balah. This move is part of broader humanitarian efforts to prevent disease outbreaks and is coordinated with Israeli security officials.

In addition, Israel's government has pledged to the High Court of Justice to establish a system allowing severely ill patients from Gaza to travel via Egypt for medical treatment abroad.

The conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with the Hamas-controlled Health Ministry in Gaza reporting over 37,925 Palestinians killed and 87,141 injured since the war began. The IDF continues to target rocket launching sites, recently striking in Khan Yunis following a barrage of rockets fired at Israeli communities.

The families of hostages have expressed their determination to push for an official investigation into the events of October 7. Meanwhile, Liora Argamani, mother of rescued hostage Noa Argamani, passed away from terminal cancer after briefly reuniting with her daughter.

Northern Israel has faced rocket attacks from Lebanon, with the IDF intercepting most of the 15 rockets launched. Hezbollah’s deputy leader, Sheikh Naim Kassem, suggested that a full cease-fire in Gaza is necessary for peace on the Lebanon-Israel border.

In response to controversy over the release of Al-Shifa Hospital's director, the Israeli government has established a taskforce to approve detainee releases. Interior Minister Moshe Arbel has defended Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar against criticism from National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.

Israel has appointed Prof. Ron Shapira as its ad hoc judge at the International Court of Justice, replacing former chief justice Aharon Barak.

Yemen's Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for military operations targeting ships linked to the United States, the United Kingdom, and Israel in multiple seas and oceans.

The ongoing war follows a severe domestic political and social crisis in Israel, exacerbated by controversial judicial reforms proposed by Netanyahu’s government. The escalation of violence between West Bank Palestinians and Israeli settlers also continues amid the country's most right-wing government in history.