Israel has agreed to a Gaza withdrawal line, with a ceasefire set to begin once Hamas confirms. As part of the agreement, hostages and prisoners will be exchanged. This information was shared on Truth Social by former President Donald Trump. The details are based on plans that he shared, including the initial Gaza withdrawal lines.
Greta Thunberg reported harsh treatment in Israeli custody after being detained with the Global Sumud Flotilla, including dehydration, bedbug infestations, and insufficient food. Detainees also reported Thunberg was forced to hold unknown flags for photographs. The Swedish foreign ministry confirmed these claims in an email detailing her experience and access to legal counsel, while also mentioning concerns about the treatment of other activists detained alongside her. Lawyers representing the flotilla have reported systematic rights violations and instances of verbal and physical abuse, including denial of water, sanitation, and medical attention.
Following Hamas’s acceptance of elements of a U.S. plan to end the war, President Trump ordered Israel to halt bombing in Gaza to facilitate hostage release. Hamas indicated willingness to release hostages and cede power but raised concerns regarding the plan’s future aspects. Despite the welcomed developments, including support from key mediators, the situation remains precarious as Hamas’s response fell short of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s demands. The plan involves a ceasefire, hostage return, and prisoner release, but key disagreements about the future of Gaza need further negotiation.
President Trump has issued an ultimatum to Hamas, demanding they accept a peace deal by Sunday evening, threatening severe consequences if they refuse. This 20-point proposal, agreed upon by several nations and Israel, includes a ceasefire, hostage release, Hamas disarming, and eventual reconstruction. While Israel has accepted the terms, Hamas is reportedly in discussions and seeking time to consult with other factions, though one leader has indicated the group will not accept a deal that doesn’t include self-determination for Palestinians. Trump’s approach, framed as a last chance, uses strong language and could lead to civilian suffering if not successful or an “empty threat” otherwise.
Israel’s defense minister has issued a final warning for all remaining Palestinians in Gaza City to evacuate south, declaring those who stay as supporters of militants subject to the full force of the offensive. This announcement follows a major offensive that has already displaced approximately 400,000 residents, but the road south remains perilous, with significant casualties resulting from Israeli strikes on civilian areas. While the Israeli military has not commented on these specific strikes, they continue to blame Hamas for civilian deaths, and the ongoing conflict has led to the suspension of humanitarian operations and widespread displacement across the Gaza Strip.
An aid flotilla carrying hundreds of activists, including Greta Thunberg, was intercepted by Israeli forces in international waters en route to Gaza. Israel stated the boats were approaching an active combat zone and violating a naval blockade, while the Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF) described the interception as illegal, claiming many were assaulted. The detained activists are being deported, and a growing number of countries have expressed concern, with Colombia expelling Israeli diplomats and terminating trade agreements in response. International organizations like Amnesty International have condemned Israel’s actions, and a further attempt to breach the blockade is planned by a separate group.
On Tuesday, a Ukrainian An-124 cargo plane transported containers from Tel Aviv, Israel, to Leipzig, Germany, which appeared to be identical to those used by the Israeli military for Patriot missile transport. The flight was documented by air traffic watch groups, and the aircraft likely carried PAC-2 missiles, which Ukraine urgently needs to defend against Russian ballistic missiles. This delivery aligns with reports that Israel agreed to supply Patriot systems to Ukraine, following a previous announcement that two more systems would arrive in the fall. With dwindling supplies of interceptor missiles, Ukraine relies heavily on these systems, as Russia fires ballistic missiles targeting infrastructure.
Israeli forces have intercepted a pro-Palestinian flotilla attempting to break the maritime blockade of Gaza. The flotilla, carrying activists including Greta Thunberg and humanitarian aid, was boarded by Israeli soldiers in international waters. Thirteen boats were stopped, with the leading vessel’s crew detained and taken to Ashdod. Despite warnings from Israel, the flotilla intended to deliver aid to Gaza, a mission that has been met with international debate regarding the legality of the blockade.
As the offensive continues, Israel’s defense minister ordered remaining Gazan residents to evacuate, warning those who stay will be considered militants. At least 21 Palestinians were killed amid ongoing strikes, as Hamas considers a new proposal from President Trump. The plan requires Hamas to release hostages and disarm, with the promise of humanitarian aid and reconstruction, however, Hamas expressed concerns. With the intensified warfare, the International Committee of the Red Cross suspended operations in Gaza City, relocating staff.
On Wednesday evening, the Israeli military intercepted the Global Sumud Flotilla as it approached the Gaza strip, leading to the detention of climate activist Greta Thunberg. The IDF confirmed the flotilla was stopped and passengers were being transferred to an Israeli port, also stating Thunberg was safe. Thunberg was aboard the Alma aid vessel, one of six ships intercepted, with the flotilla’s Instagram reporting the military used water cannons on activists. Newsweek is seeking comment from the IDF and the flotilla.
John Q. Hosedrinker