Overview

• In a Haaretz op-ed, Olmert denounced Gaza operations as a “war of devastation” characterized by indiscriminate civilian killings.
• The Palestinian Ministry of Health reports more than 54,000 Palestinians killed since the war began, including at least 28,000 women and children.
• Opinion polls indicate a majority of Israelis support a comprehensive ceasefire tied to the release of 58 hostages and an end to hostilities.
• Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has refused to halt military operations until Hamas is defeated.
• Olmert called on US President Donald Trump to pressure Netanyahu into ending the campaign and restoring humanitarian aid.