Hostages Top Agenda on Day 676

A look at day 676 of the Israel Gaza conflict as Netanyahu presses other countries to accept Palestinians while diplomacy and aid efforts unfold.

Israel at War Day 676 Netanyahu Calls on Countries to Take in Palestinians

Hundreds gathered near the Gaza border to demand the release of hostages, starting with a convoy from central Israel. Israel has discussions with South Sudan about resettling Palestinians who wish to leave Gaza, according to six people familiar with the matter. Protests also targeted leaders staying at a Tel Aviv hotel connected to the Gaza humanitarian effort. The IDF said it killed five armed militants near a vehicle falsely labeled with the World Central Kitchen emblem in Deir al-Balah; WCK said the vehicle was not theirs. Air force veterans demonstrated in Tel Aviv calling for a hostage deal and an end to the war, while relatives joined similar demonstrations.

Netanyahu told i24 News that Israel is pursuing a deal to release all hostages, with partial deals now considered behind us. He also urged that residents should be allowed to leave Gaza if they wish, and that countries willing to help Palestinians should open their doors. international responses included a reported drone strike in Naqoura, southern Lebanon, and remarks from the U.S. envoy to Syria about accountability for violence in Suwayda. Saudi Arabia condemned Israel's actions, while 97 aid packages with food for Gaza were dropped as part of a cooperative effort among several countries. Protests also occurred outside the Dutch embassy after red paint was splashed and the entrance damaged. In Gaza, the health ministry reported significant casualties in the past day, underscoring the ongoing civilian toll.

The day highlights how hostage diplomacy dominates strategic choices even as civilians pay the highest price. Netanyahu’s push for open doors and broader international involvement signals a shift from incremental deals to a wider framework that ties aid to political outcomes. But the same frame risks intensifying regional tensions if humanitarian concerns are perceived as bargaining chips. The mix of protests, diplomacy with African and Middle Eastern partners, and grave casualty reports will test how far global and regional actors are willing to go to avert a broader crisis without losing credibility at home.

Highlights

The coming days will test how diplomacy balances civilian protection with political demands.