Negotiators are heading to Egypt for Gaza ceasefire talks after US President Donald Trump warned that Hamas will face “complete obliteration” if it refuses to give up power and control of the territory. In an interview with CNN, Trump said he expects to know soon whether the militant group is committed to peace.
Trump’s 20-point proposal requires Hamas to return all 48 hostages — about 20 of them thought to still be alive — surrender ruling power and disarm, in return for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and an end to Israel’s assault. The plan, accepted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, sets no path to Palestinian statehood. Hamas has agreed to only three points: releasing all hostages, surrendering power, and the withdrawal of Israeli troops, while seeking further negotiations on disarmament and a timetable for withdrawal.
Meanwhile, Israel has deported 29 activists detained by its navy after they took part in a flotilla seeking to deliver aid to blockaded Gaza. Italy’s foreign minister confirmed that the remaining 15 Italian citizens arrested by Israeli forces will leave Israel on Monday. US Senator Chris Van Hollen called on the American ambassador to Israel to protect US citizens held in an Israeli prison after the flotilla interception.
Hundreds of thousands of people marched in several European cities in support of Palestinians and the aid flotilla. The Gaza health ministry reported that at least 67,139 Palestinians have been killed and 169,583 injured since 7 October 2023.
