TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) - On the eve of a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel is collaborating with the White House on a new ceasefire plan, although details are still being finalized. Netanyahu faces considerable international pressure to end the ongoing war, particularly due to the intense military actions in Gaza City. According to Gaza's Health Ministry, the death toll has exceeded 66,000 Palestinians as of Sunday.
In the upcoming White House meeting, Trump is expected to present a new proposal aimed at resolving the conflict. "We're working on it," Netanyahu stated during an interview on Fox News Sunday’s "The Sunday Briefing." He emphasized that while the plan is not yet finalized, discussions with Trump's team are ongoing, and he expressed hope for a successful outcome.
Arab officials familiar with the proposed plan revealed that it includes a 21-point outline calling for an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages held by Hamas within 48 hours, and a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. These officials requested anonymity as the proposal has not been officially announced.
Despite the ongoing discussions, Netanyahu has asserted a commitment to continue military operations until Hamas, which launched a surprise attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, is eradicated. However, he reiterated an offer allowing Hamas members to exit Gaza as part of an end-of-conflict agreement. “If they finish the war, release all the hostages, we let them out,” he stated.
International sentiment towards Israel is shifting, with numerous countries expressing support for recognizing a Palestinian state, contrary to Israeli objections. The situation intensified when Israel targeted the political leadership of Hamas in Doha, Qatar, leading to a stalemate in ceasefire talks amidst rising protests both globally and domestically.
During a recent address to world leaders at the U.N. General Assembly, Netanyahu remained defiant, insisting that Israel "must finish the job" against Hamas in Gaza, where 48 hostages remain captive—approximately 20 of whom are believed to be alive.
Trump's 21-point ceasefire proposal is seen as a significant diplomatic effort, as it also outlines provisions for the release of all hostages in exchange for the cessation of hostilities and a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. Discussions regarding this plan occurred on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly and are reportedly still subject to modification.
A Hamas official acknowledged that the group was briefed about the ceasefire plan but has yet to receive an official proposal from Egyptian and Qatari mediators. Hamas has indicated a willingness to consider any proposals positively and responsibly, emphasizing its readiness to release all hostages in exchange for an end to military actions and a complete Israeli withdrawal.
Meanwhile, reports from local hospitals in Gaza indicate that at least 10 individuals lost their lives due to airstrikes on homes in the Nuseirat refugee camp. Gaza's Health Ministry continues to report staggering casualties since the onset of the conflict, with 66,005 individuals confirmed dead and over 168,162 injured. The Ministry, tied to the Hamas-led administration, asserts that approximately half of the casualties are women and children, and its tallies are regarded as credible by the U.N. and several independent experts.
Residents in Gaza City describe incessant explosions, attributed to the destruction of buildings, with one individual noting the sounds felt relentless. The Israeli military reported striking 140 Hamas military targets in a recent 24-hour period, including militants and critical infrastructure. Additionally, the military targeted and demolished the 16-story Macca tower in Gaza City, claiming it housed military infrastructure belonging to Hamas. The building was struck after residents were warned to evacuate, resulting in no reported casualties.
The offensive by Israel has led to widespread destruction in Gaza, displacing nearly 90% of the population and contributing to a dire humanitarian crisis characterized by reports of famine in Gaza City. On the same day, a 20-year-old Israeli soldier succumbed to injuries sustained in an attack near Nablus in the West Bank, where tensions and violence have escalated. The attack was later praised by Hamas, reflecting the deeply entrenched conflict that continues to affect the region.
