Despite denials from the White House, reports suggest that an agreement is close to being reached between Israel, the United States and Hamas to secure the release of dozens of women and children held hostage in Gaza. The deal would involve a five-day break in fighting. Meanwhile, Israeli bombings on Gaza have resulted in at least 15 Palestinians being killed in recent hours.

The IDF has been escalating its activities in Gaza, with attacks on civilian areas as well as schools that serve as refuges for displaced people. Negotiations for the release of hostages remain tentative, as Hamas continues to hold 239 prisoners. The establishment of a ceasefire is expected to allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza, but Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected the idea of a complete ceasefire and has faced increasing pressure from the international community.

US President Joe Biden has called for the Palestinian National Authority to govern Gaza and the West Bank at the end of the war. He has also ordered sanctions and visa bans to be prepared against extremist Israeli settlers in the West Bank. However, there are additional links in the source that are not related to the content provided. Therefore, they have not been included in this summary.