Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz announced that Israel would launch an offensive against Rafah in Gaza next month if Hamas does not release remaining hostages by the start of Ramadan. The offensive, aimed at getting "total victory" over Hamas, would be coordinated to minimize civilian casualties. Foreign governments and aid organizations have urged Israel to spare Rafah, but Netanyahu insists the war cannot be completed without pressing into the city. Ceasefire talks have failed, with Washington pushing for a truce in exchange for the hostages' release.
