Polls in the wake of Oct. 7 that showed most Palestinians approved of the attack sowed anger in Israel. Videos of Gazans crowding around hostages in the immediate aftermath of the raid, filming them on their mobile phones, spitting on them and beating them also fuelled lasting resentment.

The Israeli military has approved a renewed operational framework for its Gaza campaign, with Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir signing off on the “main concept” for the operation. The plan focuses on retaking Gaza City — a key Hamas stronghold that Israel briefly seized in late 2023 before withdrawing.

New images of emaciated Israeli hostages held in Gaza have horrified Israelis and added pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reach a ceasefire with Hamas.