Israel's security cabinet will meet on August 26 in Jerusalem, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's spokesman said. Local media reported that the meeting will discuss the resumption of truce negotiations in the Gaza Strip and an agreement to release hostages.

In response to a request from AFP, spokesman Omer Mansour did not provide any details about the meeting's agenda.

In early August, the security cabinet approved a plan for a military takeover of Gaza City, but according to Israeli media, the August 26 meeting is expected to focus on resuming ceasefire negotiations and the release of hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza.

On August 22, Netanyahu ordered immediate negotiations for the release of all remaining hostages in Gaza.

This came a few days after Hamas announced that it had accepted a new truce proposal presented by mediators, which provides for the gradual release of hostages over an initial period of 60 days in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

The Forum of Families of Hostages and Missing Persons, the main group advocating for the hostages in Gaza, called for a day of national action on August 26.

"The absolute majority of the Israeli people want to bring our loved ones home. The deliberate delay in signing an agreement for their return is contrary to the will of the people and our core values of mutual responsibility and friendship," the group said. | BGNES