Israelis in truce call to free last hostages

ISRAEL'S government is facing increasing pressure to agree a ceasefire that would free its remaining hostages from Gaza.

- By Toby Codd

PM Benjamin Netanyahu's security cabinet met yesterday to discuss the next stages of its military operation in Gaza City but did not mention plans for a 60-day truce with Hamas in the conflict that has killed nearly 63,000 people.

Many Israelis hope that a pact would bring home around half the captives held by Hamas since October 2023.

However, Netanyahu says his expanded offensive is the best way to ensure their return.