Israel rejects Hamas truce offer as thousands forced to flee Gaza City

Good morning Middle East Eye readers,

Israeli attacks have killed at least 73 Palestinians across Gaza. Officials report that 43 of these deaths occurred in Gaza City alone as Israel's genocide enters its 698th day.

In other developments:

• A security source informs the Israeli daily Haaretz that between 70,000 and 80,000 people have fled Gaza City in recent days, with most displacements occurring within the past 72 hours.

• Hamas announces it has agreed to the formation of an independent administration to govern Gaza. The group states it is ready for a comprehensive truce that would see the release of all Israeli captives.

• The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the proposal, reiterating that the war will only end upon the release of all captives and the disarmament of Hamas.

• The Israeli military says it detected a missile launch from Yemen early on Thursday, the third such incident in 24 hours, and is working to intercept it.

• Tens of thousands of protesters gathered outside Netanyahu's Jerusalem residence in a major demonstration demanding a deal to free the captives, with further protests planned.