Israel-Hamas war: Israel proposes 2-month cease-fire in exchange for all remaining hostages

An image released by the Israel Defense Forces shows soldiers during ground operations at an undisclosed location in the Gaza Strip yesterday.

The IDF described its operations in Khan Younis in south Gaza as "more challenging" than Gaza City, following bombardments that forced displaced Palestinians to again flee their locations.

In a statement today, Israel's military said it launched a "divisional maneuver" in the western part of the city, where it alleges Hamas has military framework. But the density of the city — compounded by the fact that many north Gaza residents were forced to seek shelter south — requires the IDF to engage in what it said were "very specific methods of action and precise operations."

"What is true for Gaza City is not necessarily true for this area," the IDF said. "We prepared several strategies and a number of means for operational activity. "

The IDF said it will continue its operation in Khan Younis for "several days. "

Strikes by the U.S. and U.K. in Yemen targeted Houthi underground storage facilities and other locations associated with the group, both countries said in a statement.

The attacks were described as "precision" strikes focused on disrupting Houthi capabilities as the rebels continually attack international shipping vessels in the Red Sea. Other countries included in today's statement were the governments of Australia, Bahrain, Canada and the Netherlands.

"Our aim remains to de-escalate tensions and restore stability in the Red Sea, but let us reiterate our warning to Houthi leadership: we will not hesitate to defend lives and the free flow of commerce in one of the world’s most critical waterways in the face of continued threats," the statement said.

Yemen's Houthi rebels, an Iran-backed group recently designated a terror organization by the U.S., have said the attacks focus on vessels believed to be supporting Israel. The group has repeatedly explained its actions in statements by expressing solidarity with Palestinians and vowed to continue the attacks in the surrounding waters until Israel lifts its siege on Gaza.

Pediatric doctors told NBC News they were concerned about the spread of hepatitis and other diseases among young children in southern Gaza.

Dr. Ahmed Al-Farra, the head of the pediatric unit at Nasser Hospital, said the lack of medical supplies, poor sanitation conditions and overcrowding are also leading to serious cases of gastroenteritis.

The U.S. and British military are carrying out their second round of strikes against targets in Yemen, according to defense officials.

The two countries hit the Houthis for the first time on Jan. 11, an escalation after a series of Houthi attacks on vessels in the Red Sea. Today's strikes are being carried out by manned aircraft and from ships, according to the officials.

Mohammed Al-Bukhaiti, a member of the Houthi political bureau, acknowledged the attacks in a post on X.

"Now, American-British air strikes on Sanaa, and the sound of planes and explosions is heard," he wrote. "No matter how much they bomb, our military operations against Israel will continue until the genocide crimes in Gaza are stopped and food, medicine and fuel are allowed to enter its besieged population."

NEAR KHAN YOUNIS — Mariam Abu Haleeb and her family were on the move again on Monday, the seventh time they had been displaced in less than four months of war.

She and other Gazans, their cars and donkey carts piled high with belongings, fled what they said was a terrifying night at the al-Aqsa university in the west of Khan Younis, where they had taken shelter after being told again it was risky to stay put.

They had no idea where to go next.

“What hurts me most is that my old mother is under siege. My siblings and their children are besieged. Everyone, everyone. All of Khan Younis needed help yesterday,” she said.

TEL AVIV — Israel's government has proposed a pause in fighting in Gaza for two months in exchange for the release of all the remaining hostages, which is estimated to be more than 130 people, an Israeli official told NBC News.

A second Israeli official said more than 25 of the hostages are dead, but the government wants Hamas to return their bodies. The proposed deal was first reported by Axios, which noted the plan would be to release hostages in stages starting with those over 60 years old and in dire medical condition.

An Israeli government official said that while Israel has offered the two-month pause, he is not sure if a deal will be possible.

“We have to wait and see,” the official said.

NBC News reported yesterday that hostage talks were at an impasse over Hamas’ demand for a permanent cease-fire.

A Hamas official told NBC News Sunday it would not accept any deal without the promise of a permanent cease-fire.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said yesterday that agreeing to end the war means Israel "will not be able to guarantee the security of our citizens." He said he would not agree to it and that only "complete victory" would secure both the release of hostages and Hamas' elimination.

Leaders at the World Health Organization and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies called for the protection of Al-Amal Hospital today after repeated bombardments in Khan Younis.

Jagan Chapagain, CEO of the IFRC, said he was very concerned over reports of shelling at Al-Amal, which is operated by the Palestine Red Crescent Society.

"This increases the risks to the lives of staff & volunteers of PRCS significantly as they work 24/7 to assist those in humanitarian need," he wrote on X. "I repeat my call to ensure protection of civilians, humanitarian aid workers, ambulances, and health facilities."

Two Navy SEALs who were declared dead yesterday after a 10-day search and rescue mission off the coast of Somalia have been named.

Christopher J. Chambers, 27, and Nathan Gage Ingram, 37, were lost in nighttime seas Jan. 11 while they were conducting a seizure of a vessel "illegally transporting advanced lethal aid from Iran to resupply Houthi forces in Yemen," according to a statement from the U.S. Naval Special Warfare Command.

The Iran-backed Houthis have been striking commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden for weeks, in support of the Hamas militants in their battle against Israel. The attacks have prompted retaliatory strikes by the U.S. and its allies to protect global trade in the area.

Two U.S. defense officials told NBC News one of the SEALs had tried to board the vessel in rough seas and fell into the water. The second dived in after the first, as is protocol, the officials said.

The command called Chambers and Ingram "exceptional warriors, cherished teammates, and dear friends to many within the Naval Special Warfare community," adding that their loss is "devastating" for the force.

The incident remains under investigation, the command's statement added.