"Massive Rallies in Israel Demand Netanyahu's Resignation Amid Middle East Crisis"

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that the country is "one step away from victory" in the Gaza war and insisted on no truce until Hamas releases all hostages, as thousands of Israelis rallied for the return of hostages still held in Gaza. The Israeli military has withdrawn most of its ground troops from southern Gaza, with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stating that the move is to prepare for future operations, including a planned ground assault on Rafah. Aid agencies have decried the "shocking toll" of the six-month war, with over 33,000 people killed in Gaza, mostly women and children. Cease-fire talks between Israel and Hamas were set to resume in Cairo, while the UK deployed a Royal Navy ship to the Mediterranean to aid Gaza. Additionally, Israel carried out strikes in eastern Lebanon in response to the shooting down of a drone by Hezbollah, and Israeli protesters demanded early elections and negotiations for the release of hostages.