Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to continue Israel’s conquest of and genocide in Gaza even if Hamas agreed to a ceasefire deal that would see the release of the rest of the Israeli captives being held in the Strip — just days after Hamas officials accepted the latest proposal by Qatari and Egyptian officials.

(Reuters) -Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that he had directed the immediate initiation of negotiations for the release of all hostages in Gaza and the conclusion of the war there on terms acceptable to Israel.

The drums of war are pounding on the doorstep of Gaza City. Residents of the largest city in northern Gaza, packed with locals and refugees, fear the hours are ticking down before a looming Israeli offensive.