Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has blasted the country’s political leadership and the conduct of its military, saying he is no longer able to defend Israel against accusations of war crimes.

Thousands gathered in Tel Aviv on Wednesday to support hostages still held in Gaza on the 600th day since the war began, urging a ceasefire to secure their release.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government hit back at growing international pressure over the war in Gaza on Wednesday, amid deepening signs of division over the war at home, 600 days after the Hamas-led attack on October 7,

The statement, first shared with Jewish Insider, argues that the renewed delivery of aid, which began on Monday, was “essential to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, so that the primary focus of the international community can return to releasing the hostages that remain in captivity.”

The U.N. yesterday criticized Israel’s new aid operation in Gaza as the country faced mounting anger from Europe over the war and growing pressure from the U.S. to reach a truce.

US special envoy Steve Witkoff has told CNN that a ceasefire-hostage deal for Gaza is currently on the table with a pathway to end the war, and urged Hamas to accept it.

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — A crowd was fired upon while overrunning a new aid-distribution site in the Gaza Strip set up by an Israeli and U.S.-backed foundation, killing at least one Palestinian and wounding 48 others, Gaza’s Health Ministry said Wednesday.

Another six months of war between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza would reduce Israel's economic growth by a half point in 2025 and further raise the debt burden, Bank of Israel Governor Amir Yaron said on Tuesday.

Former Israeli government spokesperson Eylon Levy says Israel faces an "impossible dilemma" between bringing home hostages and defeating Hamas.