Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has resisted calls to implement a ceasefire in Gaza unless all 239 hostages held by Hamas militants are released, otherwise the offensive will continue with "full force". He added that the plan for after hostilities end is for Israel to retain full security control over Gaza, allowing IDF forces free access to enter and target Hamas forces. His stern stance follows an "unbearably desperate situation" at many of Gaza's hospitals, including the Al Shifa - the region's largest - which is reportedly under siege despite an estimated 20,000 Palestinians taking refuge there as generators run out of fuel.
Source: National News Agency - Lebanon