The United States has presented a 21-point Middle East peace plan at this week’s U.N. meetings and expressed optimism for a Gaza breakthrough in the coming days, its regional envoy said on Wednesday.
U.S. President Donald Trump outlined the proposals to leaders from Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Egypt during a closed-door meeting on Monday, U.S. special envoy to the region Steve Witkoff said.
“I think it addresses Israeli concerns and, as well, the concerns of all the neighbours in the region,” Witkoff told reporters on Wednesday. “We’re hopeful, and I might say even confident, that in the coming days we’ll be able to announce some sort of breakthrough.”
The conflict in Gaza, now nearing its second year, has drawn widespread condemnation. More than 65,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to local health authorities, while international monitors warn that parts of the territory are experiencing famine. The war began on 7 October 2023, when Hamas fighters stormed into Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Israel says 48 hostages remain in captivity, 20 of them believed to be alive.
Despite growing calls for restraint, Israel has continued its military campaign in Gaza City, targeting what it describes as Hamas’ last stronghold. Airstrikes on Wednesday killed at least 50 people, most of them in a shelter near a market, medics said.
Hamas warned that Israel’s expansion of operations in Gaza City could endanger hostages, while Israel urged civilians to “rise up and break away from Hamas.” Witnesses reported tanks entering populated areas near Al-Quds Hospital and moving closer to Gaza’s largest hospital, Al Shifa. The Israeli military said militants had fired from hospital grounds, a claim Hamas denied.
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Alongside Washington’s efforts, European and Arab states have been drafting an initiative for post-war stabilisation, including a possible international force of European and Muslim-majority countries. Italy has already deployed a navy ship in support of vessels attempting to challenge Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza.
European diplomats hope their plan can align with Washington’s proposals, while a General Assembly-backed declaration for a temporary stabilisation mission gains momentum.
Trump remains a firm ally of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is set to address the General Assembly on Friday during a U.S. visit that will also include a meeting with the American leader. Both have criticised recent moves by countries such as France and Britain to recognise a Palestinian state.
Meanwhile, violence has also flared in the occupied West Bank. Palestinian authorities reported that one man was killed in an Israeli raid near Jenin and another was shot dead by an Israeli settler in al-Mughayyir village.
