Israel Pursues Gaza Offensive Amid Renewed Ceasefire Hopes
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated Sunday that Israel is collaborating wiht the White House on a new ceasefire plan,ahead of a scheduled visit to the White House on Monday. “We’re working on it,” Netanyahu told Fox News sunday. “It’s not been finalized yet, but we’re working with President Trump‘s team, actually as we speak, and I hope we can – we can make it a go.”
Former President Trump expressed optimism on his Truth social platform, stating, “We have a real chance for GREATNESS IN THE MIDDLE EAST, ALL ARE ON BOARD FOR SOMETHING SPECIAL, FIRST TIME EVER. WE WILL GET IT DONE!!!” He had previously promised a swift end to the conflict upon taking office, but a resolution remains elusive after eight months of fighting.
Netanyahu, speaking at the United Nations on Friday, reaffirmed his commitment to “finish the job” against Hamas, following recent decisions by Britain, France, and other Western nations to recognize a state of Palestine.
Reports from the US and Israel indicate Trump has proposed a 21-point ceasefire plan.Key elements include the release of all hostages within 48 hours, the disarmament of Hamas, the freedom of hundreds of palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails, and a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
A Hamas official confirmed they had been briefed on the plan but have not yet received a formal offer through Egyptian and Qatari mediators.
Israel faces increasing international scrutiny as an international aid flotilla approaches its territorial waters. The flotilla, which paused for repairs in Greek waters, set sail Sunday intending to challenge Israel’s naval blockade and deliver aid to gaza. Activists aboard include Greta Thunberg. Italy’s Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani reiterated a proposal for the flotilla to deliver aid to Cyprus for distribution in Gaza via the Roman Catholic church, a suggestion the flotilla rejected. The flotilla was reportedly struck in international waters near Crete on Wednesday by drones deploying stun grenades and irritants. Israel has stated it will prevent the boats from reaching Gaza.
The current conflict began with Hamas’s incursion into Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of 1,219 people, the majority of whom were civilians. Of the 251 people abducted during the attack, 47 remain held in Gaza, with the Israeli military confirming 25 are presumed dead.
israel’s subsequent offensive in Gaza has resulted in over 66,000 fatalities, predominantly civilians, and more than 160,000 injuries. Large portions of the territory have been devastated, and famine has been declared in northern areas.
In the occupied West Bank on Sunday, Israeli security forces fatally shot an individual alleged to have carried out a car-ramming attack, seriously injuring an Israeli man near Nablus.Hamas praised the attack. Violence in the West Bank, captured by israel in the 1967 six-day war alongside Gaza and East Jerusalem, has escalated as Palestinians seek to establish a future state in the territory.
