Israel Seeks Truce on Its Terms as Army Edges Into Gaza City

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will convene Israel’s top decision-making forum on Tuesday to discuss prospects for a deal to wind down the almost two-year-old war in Gaza, at the same time as the army prepares for a final push into the Palestinian territory’s biggest city.

Hamas will be given until mid-September to agree to a ceasefire leading to the return of the remaining 50 Israeli hostages and the dismantling of what remains of its government and weapons, according to an aide to the Israeli premier, who asked not to be identified discussing a private matter. Should Hamas fail to agree to the terms, Israel will by then have completed military preparations and the Gaza City operation will begin, the aide said.