*Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the Gaza Division: "I have come to approve the IDF's plans to take control of Gaza City and defeat Hamas. At the same time, I have instructed to begin immediate negotiations for the release of all our captives and the end of the war on terms acceptable to Israel.*

"We are at the decisive stage. I came today to the Gaza Division to approve the plans that the IDF presented to me and to the Defense Minister for taking control of Gaza City and defeating Hamas.

I greatly appreciate the mobilization of the reservists, and of course the regular army, for this vital mission.

At the same time, I have instructed to start immediate negotiations for the release of all our captives and the end of the war on terms acceptable to Israel.

These two things — defeating Hamas and releasing all our captives — go hand in hand."