Netanyahu Says Israel Working on Ceasefire Plan Before Trump Meeting

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Sunday that his government is actively collaborating with the White House on a new ceasefire proposal for the Gaza conflict, just hours before a pivotal meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. The disclosure comes amid mounting global calls to halt the war, which began with Hamas's devastating October 7, 2023, assault on Israel that killed around 1,200 people and led to the abduction of 253 hostages. Netanyahu's comments, made during an interview on Fox News' "The Sunday Briefing", reflect cautious optimism: "We're working on it. It's not been finalised yet, but we're working with President Trump's team... and I hope we can make it a go."

The proposed 21-point plan, discussed by Trump with Arab leaders on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly last week, outlines an immediate ceasefire, the release of all remaining hostages within 48 hours, and a phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Three Arab officials, speaking anonymously due to the plan's unofficial status, indicated that modifications remain likely. A Hamas spokesperson confirmed the group has been informally briefed but awaits formal mediation from Egypt and Qatar. Hamas has expressed willingness to "study any proposals positively and responsibly," provided it includes a full end to hostilities and Israeli troop withdrawal—conditions echoing their prior positions in stalled negotiations.

Netanyahu, who has steadfastly pledged to eradicate Hamas, reiterated a conditional offer allowing the group's fighters to exit Gaza in exchange for the hostages' release and the war's conclusion. This stance persists despite intensifying pressure from allies. Trump has historically backed Israel but recently voiced frustration, particularly after an Israeli airstrike this month targeted Hamas's political headquarters in Doha, Qatar, derailing talks.

Western partners, including the European Union—which is mulling sanctions—and several nations recognising Palestinian statehood, have amplified demands for de-escalation. Protests worldwide, coupled with calls for sports and cultural boycotts, underscore the diplomatic isolation Israel faces. At Friday's UN General Assembly, Netanyahu defiantly urged completing the mission against Hamas, where 48 hostages remain captive, about 20 presumed alive by Israeli estimates.

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The humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza worsened overnight, with the Health Ministry reporting a death toll surpassing 66,005 Palestinians since the war's onset—over half women and children, per their data, which the United Nations and experts deem credible despite lacking civilian-militant distinctions. Another 168,162 are wounded, amid widespread displacement of 90% of Gaza's 2.3 million residents and famine-like conditions in Gaza City.

Strikes in the Nuseirat refugee camp killed at least 10, while Israeli forces demolished the 16-storey Macca Tower in Gaza City after evacuation warnings, claiming it housed Hamas infrastructure. The military reported hitting 140 targets in the last day, including militants and equipment. Residents described ceaseless explosions from controlled demolitions using explosive-laden vehicles and robots. Separately, a 20-year-old Israeli soldier succumbed to wounds from a West Bank attack near Nablus, where the alleged assailant was killed; Hamas praised the incident amid surging violence in the occupied territory, claimed by Palestinians for a future state alongside Gaza and East Jerusalem since Israel's 1967 capture.

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