Tel Aviv: Israeli forces pressed deeper into Gaza City even as U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepared to advance a high-stakes peace plan aimed at halting the ongoing conflict.

The proposal, unveiled in Washington, calls for a phased ceasefire, the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, and the gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. It also envisions Hamas relinquishing its weapons and a transitional governance structure under international oversight, with a peace board led by Trump and including former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Netanyahu has publicly endorsed the plan, saying it aligns with Israel’s goals of securing hostages and dismantling Hamas’ military capacity. Israeli opposition leaders, including Benny Gantz and Yair Lapid, have also expressed support, signaling rare political unity on the issue.

However, Hamas has said it has not formally received the proposal and is reviewing it through intermediaries.

The group’s acceptance remains doubtful, given the strict disarmament and governance conditions. Meanwhile, continued Israeli airstrikes killed at least 39 people in Gaza on Monday, underscoring the gap between diplomatic initiatives and battlefield realities.

The humanitarian toll in Gaza continues to mount, with widespread destruction and displacement worsening daily. Regional players such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia have pushed Netanyahu to back the U.S. plan, while warning Israel against any renewed push for West Bank annexation.

As Trump and Netanyahu prepare for further talks in Washington, the fate of the peace initiative hinges on whether Hamas will accept terms that could reshape Gaza’s future governance and security — or risk a return to all-out conflict.