Tel aviv: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Thursday that he has ordered immediate negotiations aimed at securing the release of hostages held in Gaza and ending the ongoing war. This development comes amid Netanyahu's approval of military plans to occupy Gaza City.

According to Anadolu Agency, the announcement seems contradictory as it follows Hamas' acceptance of an Egyptian-Qatari proposal to release approximately half the hostages in exchange for a 60-day ceasefire and negotiations towards a permanent truce. These terms contrast with Israel's stated goal of occupying Gaza City.

Netanyahu, during a visit to the military's Gaza Division, stated, "I came to approve the army's plans to take control of Gaza City and decide the battle against Hamas." He added that he has simultaneously instructed immediate negotiations for the release of all hostages and to end the war under conditions acceptable to Israel.

Israel estimates that Hamas is holding around 50 hostages, including 20 believed to be alive. Concurrently, more than 10,800 Palestinians are imprisoned in Israel, with rights groups accusing Israeli authorities of torture and medical neglect.

Netanyahu emphasized the importance of the current stage of the conflict, expressing appreciation for the efforts of reservists and the regular army. He asserted that defeating Hamas and freeing all captives are interconnected objectives.

This marks the first time Netanyahu directly addressed a potential exchange deal since Hamas accepted the Egyptian-Qatari proposal. Israeli media reported that the plan involves Israeli troop redeployments near the border to facilitate humanitarian aid into Gaza, alongside a 60-day pause in hostilities.

The proposed exchanges would occur in two phases, beginning with the release of 10 Israeli hostages alive and 18 bodies in return for Palestinian prisoners, followed by talks on permanent de-escalation.

Despite ongoing mediation efforts, Defense Minister Israel Katz approved a military plan called 'Gideon's Chariots 2' on Wednesday to seize Gaza City. The plan involves displacing roughly 1 million residents southward, surrounding the city, and conducting raids in urban areas. A subsequent phase would target refugee camps in central Gaza, many of which have already suffered extensive destruction.

Since October 2023, Israel's military campaign has resulted in over 62,000 Palestinian deaths in Gaza. The conflict has devastated the enclave, leading to severe food shortages and starvation.