Is­rael ap­proves plan to at­tack Gaza's Rafah but keeps truce talks alive

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is planning to send a team for truce talks in Qatar, while also considering an attack on Rafah. Netanyahu's plans have drawn warnings from allies and critics. Mossad head David Barnea is leading the Israeli delegation for these talks, which aim to cover remaining gaps between Israel and Hamas on the ceasefire. The release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli prisons has become a key issue in any potential deal. Hamas has proposed releasing hostages in exchange for a phased pullback of Israeli troops, which could possibly restart negotiations. The White House welcomes the new proposals and confirms that talks will resume soon. Israel had previously stated it would send a delegation to Doha for these discussions.