Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has presented the security cabinet with a document strongly advocating for a hostage-ceasefire deal and an addition to the war goals: the return of evacuees to their homes in northern Israel.

"Over the past 11 months, we have faced attacks from seven different fronts and responded effectively. In Gaza, we have defeated most of Hamas' brigades and battalions, including their military leader, Mohammad Deif, along with numerous other terrorists," Gallant noted, according to Israeli reports.