"Saudi Arabia Insists on Palestinian State Amid Israel Hostage Protest and Netanyahu's Rejection of Ceasefire"

Saudi Arabia's foreign minister stated that the kingdom will not normalize relations with Israel or aid in Gaza's reconstruction without a credible pathway to a Palestinian state, posing a major obstacle to US-brokered plans. Israeli hostage families protested in Jerusalem and stormed a parliamentary committee, demanding government action. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu rejected Hamas' ceasefire demands and ruled out withdrawing forces from Gaza. Meanwhile, Israel struck Hezbollah's military infrastructure in southern Lebanon, determined to see evacuated communities near the border repopulated and threatening military force if Hezbollah does not respect a 2006 UN ceasefire.