Breaking News
Netanyahu, Trump set to discuss new Gaza peace proposal
Read more on post.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet US President Donald Trump at the White House later today, with a new Gaza peace proposal expected to be on the agenda.
President Trump has expressed optimism that a deal can be achieved, posting on social media that there was “a real chance for greatness in the Middle East”.
Hamas, however, has said it has not yet received any new proposal from the US or mediators.
Facing increasing isolation abroad and mounting pressure at home, this meeting at the White House comes at a pivotal time for Mr Netanyahu.
Last week, he appeared defiant when he addressed the United Nations, vowing to “finish off the job” in Gaza.
But any such move relies on US support, and Mr Trump’s focus is currently on a new 21-point peace plan.
The proposal is understood to include details on a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all remaining Israeli hostages held by Hamas and the deployment of an international stabilisation force.
The US president said talks on Gaza with Middle Eastern nations were intense and that Israel and Hamas were aware of the discussions, which he said would continue as long as required.
It comes as Israeli attacks killed at least 21 people across Gaza yesterday as health authorities in the enclave said the death toll from Israeli attacks had climbed to over 66,000 since October 2023.
Health officials said that the death toll has now climbed to 66,005, with a further 168,162 people injured.
Among the dead were 79 who were brought to hospitals in the past 24 hours, the health ministry in Gaza added.
Israel’s military siege has caused a humanitarian catastrophe across Gaza.
Four health facilities in Gaza City have shut down this month, the World Health Organization has said. Some malnutrition centres have also closed, the UN says.
The World Food Programme estimates that between 350,000 and 400,000 Palestinians have fled Gaza City since last month, although hundreds of thousands remain.
Additional reporting by Reuters
