U.S. President Donald Trump said he hopes to finalize a Gaza peace plan in a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, even as Israeli forces push deeper into Gaza City. The announcement came after Hamas’ armed wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, revealed it had lost contact with two hostages in the city. The group urged Israel to halt airstrikes and withdraw troops for 24 hours to attempt a rescue, but the Israeli military signaled it would continue its operations.
Trump told Reuters that Israel and Arab leaders gave a “very good response” to his proposal, emphasizing that “everybody wants to make a deal.” However, Hamas stated it has not received any official proposal from Trump or international mediators. The 21-point U.S. plan reportedly includes the release of all Israeli hostages, the cessation of Israeli attacks on Qatar, and renewed dialogue between Israel and Palestinians aimed at peaceful coexistence.
Netanyahu has reiterated that Hamas must surrender or face defeat, though he suggested amnesty for Hamas leaders could be possible if they accept exile under a ceasefire. Hamas rejected the idea, insisting it will not disarm or allow its leaders to be expelled from Gaza.
Meanwhile, Israel’s military has intensified its ground offensive, advancing into the Sabra, Tel Al-Hawa, Sheikh Radwan, and Al-Naser neighborhoods. Residents report entire districts reduced to rubble and mass evacuations ordered. The Gaza health ministry said at least 77 Palestinians were killed in the past 24 hours, while emergency services reported being blocked from reaching the wounded.
The war, now nearing two years, has left Gaza devastated. More than 66,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to local authorities, while over 350,000 people have fled Gaza City. Israel maintains that Hamas has lost its governing capacity and is now functioning only as a guerrilla force. Despite the destruction, hopes for a diplomatic breakthrough have grown, with Trump’s plan at the center of discussions.