Amid escalating global outrage over Israeli military actions in Gaza, US President Donald Trump has stated that a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas could be achieved “within the next week”, raising hopes for a pause in a war that has left tens of thousands dead and millions displaced.
“I think we’re close,” Trump said during a press briefing at the White House on Friday. “I’ve just been on calls with people working on it. It’s possible this gets done next week.”
The announcement comes after Israel’s deadly attack on Al-Shati refugee camp and accusations by Israeli soldiers that they were ordered to fire at unarmed Palestinians seeking food at aid distribution points.
Key Developments:
- Haaretz reports: Israeli officers admitted being ordered to shoot into crowds of starving Palestinians queuing for food aid, even when no threat was posed.
- Trump claims intervention: He also controversially stated he “saved” Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei from an Israeli airstrike during the 12-day Israel-Iran war.
- Iran warns Trump: Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi lashed out at Trump’s rhetoric, demanding he “drop his unacceptable tone” toward Iran’s leadership and warning of “real capabilities” if provoked.
- UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the Gaza crisis as “more dire today than at any point in this long and brutal crisis,” demanding a full ceasefire, release of captives, and humanitarian access.
- Saudi Arabia and multiple rights groups, including UNWRA, decried Israel’s “targeting of unarmed civilians” and condemned the US-Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which has come under legal scrutiny in Switzerland.
Civilian Toll and War Crimes Concerns Rise
- Red Crescent Medic Killed: The 50th medic from the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS), nurse Haitham Bassam Abu Issa, was confirmed killed in central Gaza.
- Gaza School Bombing: The death toll from an Israeli strike on the Holy Family school has risen to 11, including displaced families sheltering there.
- Mass Displacement Orders: Israel issued forced evacuation notices for several areas in central and northern Gaza, forcing thousands to relocate to the already overcrowded Al-Mawasi zone.
- Alarming Conditions: UN officials and aid agencies describe Gaza as “a killing field” where humanitarian operations are being fatally obstructed.
Regional Fallout and Global Tensions
- Southern Lebanon Airstrike: Four civilians were injured in an Israeli drone strike in Chaqra, Lebanon, despite a standing ceasefire with Hezbollah.
- Nuclear Facility Disputes: Iran rejected IAEA chief Rafael Grossi’s request to inspect bombed nuclear sites, calling it “meaningless” and accusing the West of double standards.
- Swiss Warning to GHF: Swiss authorities issued a 30-day warning to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation over legal violations in its Geneva branch, including improper registration and missing board members.
