US Pushes 20‑Point Gaza Plan; Trump Urges Halt

Two years after the Oct. 7, 2023 outbreak, indirect talks are underway while intense Israeli artillery and air bombardment continues across Gaza, producing heavy civilian casualties and widespread cultural destruction; local health sources give preliminary tolls in the tens of thousands dead and hundreds of thousands injured. Diplomatic focus has shifted to a US‑brokered 20‑point plan from President Trump that ties hostage releases and an initial Israeli withdrawal to a broader negotiation over demilitarization, a proposal embraced by Washington and Israel as a possible path to end the war. Reports that Hamas had agreed to disarm under international supervision prompted rapid public denials from the group, which said such claims were fabricated and indicated any arms transfer would be to a future Palestinian authority. The episode produced sharp US–Israeli exchanges, including a late-night call in which Trump pressed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to halt strikes after Hamas’ conditional acceptance of parts of the proposal. The developments coincided with worldwide protests demanding a ceasefire and relief for civilians.