Netanyahu Prepares to Meet Trump Amidst Rising Palestinian Death Toll of 66,000

Humanitarian Efforts Amidst Conflict

Dr. Paul Ransom, from the UK-Med humanitarian organization, collaborates with local medical teams to provide care at a field hospital in Muwasi, near Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, on September 27, 2025. Jehad Alshrafi/AP

Escalating Conflict and International Reactions

As the conflict between Israel and Hamas intensifies, the death toll has surpassed 66,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. This development comes just before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s scheduled meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss potential resolutions.

In the West Bank, Israeli forces have reportedly killed an alleged assailant involved in a car-ramming incident near Nablus, an act that Hamas has endorsed. The region, captured by Israel in 1967, remains a focal point of tension as Palestinians seek statehood.

Global Pressure on Israel

Netanyahu faces mounting international demands to cease hostilities. Several Western nations have recognized Palestinian statehood, and the European Union is contemplating sanctions. Additionally, there is a growing call for cultural and sports boycotts against Israel.

Despite these pressures, Netanyahu asserted at the U.N. General Assembly that Israel must continue its operations against Hamas in Gaza.

U.S. Involvement and Ceasefire Proposals

President Trump, who has largely supported Israel, is showing signs of impatience, especially after a failed Israeli strike in Qatar. During an upcoming meeting at the White House, Trump is expected to propose a new plan to end the conflict.

Currently, 48 hostages remain in Gaza, with around 20 believed to be alive. Ceasefire negotiations have stalled following Israel’s controversial actions in Doha.

Trump’s Ceasefire Initiative

Trump has introduced a 21-point plan aimed at achieving an immediate ceasefire. This proposal includes the release of all hostages within 48 hours and a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces. Arab officials, who have been briefed on the plan, indicate that it is still subject to change.

Hamas has been informed of the proposal but awaits an official offer from mediators. The group has expressed willingness to consider proposals that could lead to peace.

Diplomatic Efforts in Cairo

U.S. Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, is set to visit Cairo to engage with Egyptian officials on the ceasefire and address strained relations between Egypt and Israel. The U.S. Embassy in Israel confirmed Huckabee’s trip as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts.

Relations between Israel and Egypt have deteriorated due to recent conflicts and concerns over potential refugee influxes into Egypt.

Ongoing Violence in Gaza

Reports from central Gaza indicate that at least 10 individuals were killed in strikes on the Nuseirat refugee camp. The Health Ministry in Gaza reports a death toll of 66,005, with over 168,000 injured since the conflict began. Women and children constitute a significant portion of the casualties.

Residents describe continuous explosions, likely from targeted demolitions. The Israeli military has not commented on these specific strikes but confirmed targeting 140 Hamas sites recently.

The offensive has devastated Gaza, displacing a vast majority of its population and creating a severe humanitarian crisis, with experts warning of famine conditions in Gaza City.