KEY POINTS
- Trump hints at possible Middle East breakthrough, says “something special” is near.
- US President to meet Israeli PM Netanyahu at the White House on Monday.
- Netanyahu tells UN he will block Palestinian statehood.
- Most UN delegations walked out during Netanyahu’s speech.
- Gaza health ministry reports death toll surpasses 66,000.
- Israeli tanks advance deeper into Gaza City; hospitals at breaking point.
- Protests erupt in Berlin and Tel Aviv demanding ceasefire and hostage release.
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump on Sunday suggested a breakthrough could be near in efforts to end the Gaza war, saying “all are on board for something special”, even as Israeli tanks pushed deeper into Gaza City and the death toll in the besieged Palestinian enclave surpassed 66,000.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote: “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.”
The US President did not specify which countries were involved or provide a timeline. His comments came on the eve of a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, where US officials say the two leaders will discuss a possible framework for a Gaza ceasefire deal.
Netanyahu defiant at UN
Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Friday, Netanyahu vowed to block the creation of a Palestinian state and pledged to “finish the job” against Hamas.
His remarks prompted walkouts by most of the delegations, days after Britain, France, Canada, Australia and other Western countries recognised Palestinian state.
Inside Israel, political divisions are deepening. Far-right ministers have warned Netanyahu against any truce, while opposition leader Yair Lapid signalled support for a ceasefire in exchange for the release of hostages.
Gaza death toll rises
The health ministry in Gaza said on Sunday that 79 people were killed and 379 wounded in the past 24 hours. The cumulative toll since Israel launched its offensive on 7 October 2023 now stands at 66,005 dead and more than 168,000 injured, the ministry said.
The figures, which UN agencies regard as credible, include six people killed and 66 injured while seeking food aid. The ministry said at least 2,566 people have been killed while trying to collect humanitarian supplies since the war began.
Humanitarian crisis in Gaza
Witnesses reported Israeli tanks advancing into the Sabra, Tel al-Hawa, Sheikh Radwan and al-Naser neighbourhoods of Gaza City, cutting off areas where hundreds of thousands remain trapped.
Hospitals are at breaking point. The World Health Organization said four facilities in Gaza City have shut this month, while aid agencies warn of famine conditions in the north.
Doctors Without Borders suspended operations in the city on Friday, citing “unacceptable risk” to its staff.
Diplomatic pressure on Israel
International pressure on Israel is mounting. France, the UK, Canada and most recently San Marino have recognised Palestinian statehood, joining more than 80% of UN members.
Meanwhile, tens of thousands marched in Berlin on Saturday calling for an end to what organisers described as “genocide” in Gaza.
In Tel Aviv, thousands of Israelis demanded a deal to free hostages and halt the war, with protesters appealing directly to Trump to press Netanyahu.
Trump said talks with Middle Eastern nations on Gaza were “intense” and would continue “as long as required”. Mediators including Egypt are also engaged in ceasefire talks, but Hamas said it had not received any new proposals.
