The US administration asked "Israel" to delay its full-scale military invasion in Gaza dubbed "Gideon's Chariots" to allow more time for captive deal negotiations, i24News reported, citing two sources familiar with the matter.

The request had two key elements: to postpone the full-scale invasion of the Strip and to allow ongoing negotiations in Qatar to continue, even as the current military operation proceeds. 

Israeli officials emphasized that once the military operation begins, Israeli occupation forces will not withdraw from any areas they invade, even as part of a potential deal, noting that negotiating a ceasefire would become far more difficult at that point.

Israeli Security Minister Israel Katz stated several days ago, "Once we launch this operation, we will operate with maximum intensity and won't stop until all objectives are met, including implementing the voluntary relocation program for Gaza's residents."

The US administration has asked "Israel" to allow room for negotiations on a potential deal, even at the current level of military operations, building on the Israeli PM's statement from last Wednesday, during which he said, "If an opportunity emerges for a temporary ceasefire to bring hostages home, we're prepared for that possibility."

"Israel" decided to recall its delegation from Qatar last Thursday after Hamas insisted on US guarantees to end the war, while Israeli officials maintained that the "Vittock framework", which calls for releasing ten captives and a 60-day ceasefire, remains the only viable option on the table.

Despite "Israel's" delegation leaving Qatar, the US administration continues indirect talks with Hamas through mediator Dr. Bshara Bahbah, who previously headed the "Arab Americans for Trump" campaign.

Ongoing Israeli aggression, siege on Gaza

With a delay or not, the genocide in Gaza is underway unabated. Health authorities in the Strip reported on May 25 that 38 Palestinians were killed and 204 others were injured in 24 hours as Israeli military operations continued across multiple areas of the territory, with the casualty figures being collected from hospitals throughout Gaza though excluding the northern region where access remains extremely limited because of intense combat operations that have made accurate reporting difficult while the offensive persists.

Earlier today, Israeli attacks targeted multiple areas in the southern, central, and northern regions of the besieged enclave.

Israeli aircraft launched a series of intense airstrikes on the town of al-Qarara, northeast of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip. Simultaneously, heavy artillery shelling struck the towns of Aabasan al-Kabirah and al-Zana, east of Khan Younis, with one martyr confirmed in the former town.

Additionally, Israeli artillery bombarded Aabasan al-Jadida, recording multiple injuries and widespread destruction to civilian infrastructure.

Moreover, in the central Gaza Strip, a Palestinian was killed and others were wounded in an Israeli drone strike that hit a tent sheltering displaced Palestinians in the al-Hasayneh area, west of the al-Nuseirat refugee camp. This incident highlights the increasing danger faced by civilians forced to flee their homes.

In the northern Gaza Strip, Jabalia was subjected to renewed bombardment as Israeli forces launched a fresh wave of airstrikes. Seven Palestinians were killed, and several others were injured.