Global criticism mounted Saturday over Israel's decision to seize control of Gaza City, as tens of thousands of Israelis joined one of the largest anti-government protests amid the 22-month war.
Cease-fire efforts appeared to be reviving with Israel's announcement. U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff was expected to meet with Qatar's prime minister in Spain on Saturday to discuss a new proposal to end the war, according to two officials familiar with the talks, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to speak with the media.
Mediators Egypt and Qatar are preparing a new cease-fire framework that would include the release of all hostages – dead and alive – in one go in return for the war's end and the withdrawal of Israeli forces, two Arab officials have told The Associated Press.
Health officials said that 20 Palestinians seeking aid were shot dead Saturday and 11 adults died of malnutrition-related causes in the past 24 hours, as the criticism of Israel came with pleas to allow far more food to reach people in the besieged enclave.
Hostages' families pressured Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government amid new fears for the 50 remaining hostages, with 20 of them thought to be alive and struggling.
