Overview

• At the UN, Trump’s team promoted a reported 21‑point plan seeking a permanent Gaza ceasefire, release of hostages, a phased Israeli withdrawal, and governance in Gaza without Hamas.
• Trump said a Gaza agreement may be “quite close,” and envoy Steve Witkoff voiced hope for a breakthrough in the coming days, though no deal has been announced.
• Germany’s foreign minister Johann Wadephul said Berlin expressly supports the American initiative and will advocate for it with Israelis and Palestinians.
• Hardline Israeli ministers continue to press for annexation, and CNN has reported Netanyahu may consider a stepwise approach, as recent recognitions of a Palestinian state by several Western countries intensify diplomatic pressure.
• Fighting in Gaza persists, with Palestinian sources reporting at least 48 new deaths, and Israel saying 48 hostages remain in Gaza, about 20 believed alive.