Israel hints at new stage amid calls for war to end

FORMER Israeli army and intelligence chiefs called for an end to the war in Gaza as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hinted at further military action and Israel's government plotted its next move in the devastated territory.

- JULIA FRANKEL and WAFAA SHURAFA

On the ground in Gaza, health officials reported new deaths yesterday of Palestinians seeking food at distribution points.

The Israeli defence body coordinating aid to Gaza announced a new deal with local merchants to improve aid deliveries as desperation mounts.

The former security officials speaking out included those who led Israel’s Shin Bet internal security service, Mossad spy agency and the Israeli military.

In a roughly three-minute video posted to social media this week, they demanded an end to the war and said the far-right members of the government are holding the country “hostage” in prolonging the conflict.

“This is leading the state of Israel to the loss of its security and its identity,” Ami Ayalon, former head of Shin Bet, said in the footage.

Yoram Cohen, former head of Shin Bet, called Mr Netanyahu’s objectives “a fantasy”.

“If anyone imagines that we can reach every terrorist and every pit and every weapon and in parallel bring our hostages home, I think it is impossible,” he said.

Mr Netanyahu, meanwhile, announced on Monday that he would convene his Security Cabinet in the coming days to direct the army on the next stage of the war, hinting that even tougher military action was an option in Gaza.

Mr Netanyahu said he remained committed to achieving his war objectives, including defeating Hamas, releasing all hostages and ensuring Gaza never again threatens Israel.

Israeli media said the meeting was expected yesterday, with disagreements between Mr Netanyahu and the army chief, Lt Gen Eyal Zamir, on how to proceed.