Israel on Friday warned Hamas to accept a U.S.-backed ceasefire and hostage deal or face destruction. Defence Minister Israel Katz said, “The Hamas murderers will now be forced to choose: accept the terms of the ‘Witkoff Deal’ for the release of the hostages — or be annihilated.”
Former U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters that a Gaza ceasefire was near. “They’re very close to an agreement on Gaza,” he said. “We’ll let you know about it during the day or maybe tomorrow.”
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is escalating. UN official Jens Laerke called it “the hungriest place on Earth,” warning, “the entire population [is] at risk of famine.” Aid deliveries remain limited, and the UN condemned the looting of supplies meant for children by armed groups.
Meanwhile, Israel approved 22 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, drawing international criticism. The UK called it a “deliberate obstacle,” while Egypt denounced it as “a provocative and blatant new violation of international law.” Katz responded, “We will build a Jewish Israeli state in the West Bank,” directly opposing French President Emmanuel Macron’s call for a Palestinian state, which he called “a moral duty, but a political necessity.” Israel’s foreign ministry accused Macron of launching “a crusade against the Jewish state.”
The White House said Israel had signed off on a ceasefire plan. Hamas said it was still reviewing the deal, which it claimed does not meet its demands.
On Friday, Israeli strikes killed at least 45 people, including children in Jabalia. “These were civilians and were sleeping at their homes,” said resident Mahmud al-Ghaf. “Children in pieces.”
Since March 18, 4,058 have died in Gaza, bringing the total death toll to over 54,000. Hamas’s October 2023 attack killed 1,218 people in Israel. Of 251 hostages taken, 57 remain in Gaza — 34 are presumed dead, according to Israeli authorities.
