Najjar was involved in the invasion of the Kibbutz Nir Oz, one of the hardest hit during the deadly Oct. 7 attacks, where Bibas was kidnapped. Bibas’ family was kidnapped separately and was eventually murdered while in captivity.

Families of hostages fear the coming offensive further endangers the 50 hostages remaining in Gaza, just 20 of them thought to still be alive.

A mediator stressed the importance of brokering a ceasefire deal in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday after Hamas showed a “positive response” to a ceasefire deal.

Israeli actress Gal Gadot embraces hostage families at Tel Aviv square, meeting with wives and mothers of those abducted during the Oct. 7 Hamas attack.

Israel is in discussions with South Sudan about the possibility of resettling Palestinians from the Gaza Strip to the war-torn East African country, part of a wider effort by Israel to facilitate mass emigration from the territory left in ruins by its 22-month offensive against Hamas.

Israel’s plan is more about mass displacement of Palestinians, using the threat of invasion in negotiations, and Netanyahu’s political survival, say experts - Anadolu Ajansı

Relatives of Israeli hostages held in Gaza took to the streets for a third day, urging the government to accept a new deal with Hamas before it was too late.