The renewed push for a deal comes as Israeli forces are preparing for a new significant offensive focused on the occupation of Gaza City.

Some members of Israel’s coalition have ruled out a proposed hostage deal with Hamas, but the prime minister has yet to state his position.

JERUSALEM: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused French President Emmanuel Macron of fuelling antisemitism by moving to recognise a Palestinian state, in a letter seen on Tuesday (Aug 19).

A measure of how the country's mood has changed is the discontent evident among some reservists being called up to serve once again.

More than 300 demonstrations are expected throughout the day as hostages families try to bring the nation to a standstill. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that the nationwide strikes in support of the hostages in Hamas captivity on Sunday were delaying their release and preventing the war from coming to an end.