Gazans remain skeptical following press conference and release of plan
On the ground in Gaza, people react to the press conference with the usual skepticism, given the number of times negotiations have failed or past cease-fires have been broken, reports Al Jazeera.
Now they, and the rest of the world, must wait for Hamas' official response to Trump's 20-point plan which will strip the group of any control over the enclave they've been governing since 14 June, 2007, following popular elections in Gaza and the West Bank.
Al Jazeera's senior political analyst Marwan Bishara says Hamas should accept the plan for the "greater good," even though it would be a de facto surrender.
On this heavy yet, shall we dare say hopeful note, we are wrapping up today's live coverage. Follow us tomorrow for more rolling news.
Press conference ends with Netanyahu's speech, no questions taken from reporters
I support your plan, Netanyahu tells Trump
Netanyahu says today's meeting is a critical step not just to end the war in Gaza but also to set the table for peace across the Middle East.
"I support your plan to end the war in Gaza," Netanyahu says, referencing Trump's 20-point peace plan.
The Israeli PM says the plan would ensure Israel is not under threat from Hamas again, but that if Hamas does not accept the plan, Israel will get the job done "the hard way."
He goes on to thank Israel's soldiers whom he says fight "like lions" against "barbarism."
Trump ends speech, Netanyahu begins his
Netanyahu thanks White House for hosting him and for "special friendship."
He says he supports Trump's plan for Gaza and calls Trump the "greatest friend that Israel has ever had in the White House" and says no one else comes close.
Trump urges Palestinians 'to take responsibility' for their destiny
There are many Palestinians who want to live in peace, but they need "to take responsibility" for their destiny, Trump says.
Palestinians have had a "rough life" with Hamas, Trump says.
But if they do not agree to his plan, Trump adds, then they only have themselves to blame.
US wants to get along with Iran, says Trump
Trump says the U.S. wants to get along with Iran.
He praises the Abraham Accords and says “and who knows maybe even Iran can get in there.”
"I think they are going to be open to it," Trump says.
"At some point, Iran will be a member of the accords," he says, adding that it would be a "great thing for them economically.”
Trump says people in Israel are ready for peace, claims popularity there
Trump says Netanyahu is a "warrior" who doesn't know what it means to "get back to a normal way of life."
He says Israel is "lucky to have him," but its people are ready for peace and "normalization in the true sense."
Tony Blair wants to be on Gaza board, says Trump
We're now hearing about how Trump sees this plan being implemented.
He says a "board of peace," headed by Trump, will oversee the plan.
Leaders from other countries will also be on the board, Trump names former British Prime Minister Tony Blair as one of them.
Trump: Arab and Muslim countries will deal with Hamas
Trump says that Arab and Muslim countries "will be dealing with Hamas."
“They have to deal with them,” he says. "I think they probably have an understanding,” Trump says.
He says that if they are unable to [deal with Hamas], Israel would have full U.S. backing, he says, “to finish the job of destroying the threat of Hamas.”
Hamas is the only party left to agree to the deal, Trump says.
Hamas infrastructure to be destroyed
As part of the plan, Trump says Hamas infrastructure such as tunnels and production facilities would be destroyed.
Local police forces would be trained while the Israeli army would withdraw from Gaza in phases.
The threat of Hamas will be "destroyed," he says and Netanyahu would have Trump's full backing to "do what he has to do."
Muslim countries have committed to de-militarize Gaza, says Trump
Trump says the bodies of hostages who have died will be returned immediately, if the peace plan is agreed to. He says it will also mean "the immediate end to the war itself".
Arab and Muslim countries have committed to "de-militarize Gaza" quickly, as part of the plan.
Trump says plans calls for release of hostages held in Gaza
Trump continues to mention world leaders from the region he has spoken with about bringing peace to the Middle East, including Egypt, Pakistan and Jordan.
He says if accepted by Hamas, this plan calls for the release of all hostages being held, dead or alive.
Trump thanks Netanyahu for 'agreeing to the plan'
He adds that he has had meetings with "so many countries" to discuss the proposal, including leaders of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE. He praises these countries, saying they have been "very much involved."
Today is a historic day, says Trump
"Today is a historic day for peace," says Trump.
He says he and the Israeli PM just concluded a meeting – most importantly they spoke about ending the war in Gaza.
Trump says they are formally releasing the 21 principle peace plan “which people have really liked I must say.”
There has been input to the plan from many nations, Trump says.
Trump thanks the "leaders of the Arab and Muslim nations for their support" in developing the proposal along with many allies in Europe.
Trump-Netanyahu press conference at White House underway
President Donald Trump: Today is "a great day, perhaps the greatest day in the history of civilization."
Trump releases 20-point plan for Gaza
The White House has presented Donald Trump's plan to end the war in Gaza, Reuters reports. If both sides accept this proposal, the war will end immediately, according to the White House. It specifies that Israel "will not occupy or annex Gaza."
"The United States will establish a dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians to define a political horizon for peaceful and prosperous coexistence," the White House said.
It added that within 72 hours of Israel's public acceptance of this agreement, all hostages, both living and dead, will be returned. Gaza will become a de-radicalized, terrorism-free zone that poses no threat to its neighbors, it continued.
The US sanctions a strategic Iranian port linked to India
U.S. sanctions against the strategic Iranian port of Chabahar, on which India heavily depends, were due to come into force on Monday as part of increased pressure from the United States on Tehran, reports AFP.
Under U.S. law, companies, including the publicly traded India Ports Global Limited, will have 45 days to withdraw from Chabahar or face having their U.S.-based assets frozen and their transactions with the US prohibited.
On September 16, the Trump administration announced that it was revoking a 2018 exemption that allowed India and other countries to use this strategic port without incurring U.S. sanctions imposed on Iran.
In a statement, the State Department said that this would take effect on September 29.
Israeli soldiers wounded
The Israeli army announced that two officers and three soldiers were seriously wounded during fighting in northern Gaza, Haaretz reports.
Netanyahu apologies to Qatar
According to the White House, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "expressed regret for the violation of Qatar's sovereignty" and "affirmed that Israel would not conduct such an attack in the future."
Qatari Prime Minister Mohammad bin Abdulrahman al-Thani "welcomed these assurances, emphasizing Qatar's willingness to continue to contribute significantly to regional security and stability. Prime Minister Netanyahu expressed his commitment to do the same," according to the White House.
Three-way call
President Donald Trump held a trilateral phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani, the White House reports.
During the conversation, Trump expressed his desire to restart relations between Israel and Qatar "on a positive path, after years of resentment and misunderstanding."
The two sides also agreed to establish a mechanism to "strengthen coordination, improve communication, resolve mutual grievances, and enhance collective efforts to prevent threats," the White House said.
They also discussed "a proposal to end the war in Gaza and prospects for a more secure Middle East."
Hamas refuses to allow a "foreign entity" to administer Gaza after the war, despite US plans to hand control to Tony Blair
Taher al-Nounou, media advisor to the leader of Hamas' political bureau, told Reuters that the movement rejects certain peace proposals discussed in recent days, adding: "The weapons of the Palestinian resistance are linked to the existence of the occupation and the defense of our Palestinian people. If the occupation ends and a Palestinian state is established, then these weapons will be part of the state. "
"We have said that we are ready to accept a cease-fire that could last for several years," he continued. "We have not received the plan that is being discussed. When we do, we will express our position based on the interests of our people."
"Tony Blair is an unacceptable figure for our people. We have agreed to form a committee that does not represent any of the Palestinian factions to manage Gaza's affairs after the war, and we will not accept the imposition of foreign guardianship over our people," he said.
"Our people are fully capable of managing their own affairs," he added. "We support the formation of a technocratic government to administer both the West Bank and Gaza in order to ensure political and geographical unity."
Members of the media wait for a press conference with US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House in Washington DC, Sept. 29, 2025. (Kevin Lamarque/Reuters)
During meeting at White House, Netanyahu calls Qatar to apologize for Doha strike
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammad bin Abdulrahman al-Thani over the phone to apologize for violating Qatar's sovereignty during the attack on Doha, reports journalist Barak Ravid on X.
Netanyahu also expressed regret for the killing of a Qatari security guard, according to a source close to the matter, the journalist added. The conversation took place during a meeting at the White House between Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump.
Protesters demanding end to the war and release of hostages gather outside White House
Protestors, some carrying photos of Palestinian children killed in Gaza, and others photos of the hostages gather outside the White House ahead of Trump's meeting with Netanyahu.
Similar demonstrations also took place outside the U.S. embassy in Tel Aviv, the U.S. consulate in Jerusalem, and the Israeli consulate in New York.
Trump expresses confidence regarding Gaza agreement
President Donald Trump voiced confidence in striking an agreement that would end the war in Gaza and secure the release of remaining hostages. Netanyahu stood by smiling but didn’t respond when asked if he was on board.
Earlier today, Trump spoke with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, ahead of Netanyahu’s visit to the White House.
A Qatari adviser also visited the White House ahead of a crucial meeting between Trump and Netanyahu, according to two sources familiar with the matter.
2 killed, 2 injured in Israeli strikes, cease-fire violations continue
Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley killed two people today: one in Sohmor and another in Nabatieh Fawqa, according to the latest figures from the Ministry of Health.
Israeli drones hovered at medium altitude over the city of Zahle (the Bekaa) in the late afternoon, according to our correspondent in the region.
Israeli artillery fired stun grenades over the town of Aitaroun (Bint Jbeil), according to our correspondent in southern Lebanon.
Trump on phone to Emir of Qatar
U.S. President Donald Trump is currently on the phone with the Emir of Qatar regarding the Gaza agreement, according to an informed source, reports journalist Barak Ravid on X.
UK reports incident off coast of Yemen
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported on X that it had received information about an incident 128 nautical miles southeast of Aden, Yemen.
Military authorities reported that "a ship was hit by an unknown projectile" and that it "is on fire."
Netanyahu arrives to Washington ahead of meeting with Trump
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has arrived in Washington for his meeting with US President Donald Trump, scheduled for 8.15 p.m., Haaretz reports.
UNIFIL says Israel must withdraw its troops from Lebanese soil before Lebanese Army can be deployed
UNIFIL stated in a press release issued on Monday that "as long as Israeli forces remain in Lebanon, a full redeployment of the army cannot be achieved."
"Peacekeepers are patrolling and reporting violations of Resolution 1701. At the same time, we are supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces in carrying out their tasks under the resolution and in their redeployment to the south," UNIFIL also said.
'Exasperated'
"Everyone, and I mean everyone, is exasperated with Bibi," said an administration official familiar with the peace talks, according to Axios reporter Barak Ravid on X.
Donald Trump will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday to discuss an agreement on Gaza. This fourth meeting between the two leaders since Donald Trump's inauguration will be followed by a press conference at 5:15 p.m. GMT.
Mohammad Hussein Yassin was filling the water tank of a building in Nabatieh al-Fawqa when he was targeted by an Israeli drone and killed. (Photo sent by our correspondent in southern Lebanon, Muntasser Abdallah)
1 killed in Israeli missile attack on Nabatieh
Israeli drones attacked a water tanker in the town of Nabatieh Fawqa with a missile, resulting in one fatality, according to our correspondent in southern Lebanon.
The victim has been identified as Mohammad Hussein Yassin, a native of Kfar Tibnit (Nabatieh).
Drones from Turkey circle Gaza aid flotilla as boats sail east
Turkey has joined Spain, Italy and Greece in monitoring an international flotilla carrying aid for Gaza that was sailing east across the Mediterranean Sea on Monday despite warnings from Israel to stop the mission, flight data show, according to Reuters.
Flight tracking websites showed that three long-endurance drones originating from Turkey's Corlu airbase have been circling over the flotilla for three days, highlighting the growing international interest in the boats, which have vowed to breach an Israeli naval blockade around Gaza.
Reuters was unable to confirm the reason for the drone flights. Turkey's foreign and defense ministries and the intelligence agency did not respond to requests for comment.
White House says 'very close' to deal on Gaza
Israel and Hamas are "very close" to reaching an agreement on a framework deal to end the war in Gaza and ensure lasting peace in the Middle East, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Monday.
Leavitt, speaking on Fox News' "Fox and Friends" program, said President Donald Trump would discuss a 21-point peace plan with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House later on Monday. Trump will speak to leaders in Qatar, who have served as intermediaries with Hamas, on Monday, she said.
Israeli strike on West Bekaa kills at least 1
An Israeli drone carried out a strike on the village of Sohmor in West Bekaa, according to our local correspondent.
It is the first time since the cease-fire went into effect on Nov. 27 that this village has been targeted. The strike hit a construction vehicle and killed at least one person, based on initial reports.
A large number of drones were also flying at low altitude over the villages of Lebbaya, Sohmor, Yohmor, Qlaya and Zalaya, our correspondent said.
Nuclear: After UN, EU confirms restored sanctions on Iran
The European Union confirmed it reimposed sanctions on Iran following a U.N. Security Council decision, after disputes between Western powers and Tehran over its nuclear program.
The 27 EU member states decided to “reimpose a number of restrictive measures in relation to Iran’s nuclear proliferation activities,” the Council of the European Union said Monday in a statement. The move follows Saturday night’s U.N. decision to restore sanctions.
The sanctions target companies, entities and individuals directly or indirectly linked to Iran’s nuclear program or ballistic missile development — either by providing equipment, expertise or funding. EU measures include those mandated by the U.N., as well as additional steps imposed by the bloc, such as freezing the Iranian central bank’s assets and introducing new trade and economic restrictions.
Smotrich ties cease-fire to 'full freedom of action in Gaza' for Israeli army
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich on Monday demanded that the Israeli army retain “full freedom of action” in Gaza under any cease-fire, ahead of a crucial meeting in Washington between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump.
In a lengthy post on X, Smotrich outlined a series of “red lines” he said he conveyed to the prime minister. They include the complete removal of Hamas from the enclave, full demilitarization of Gaza, permanent Israeli military control of the territory, rejection of a Palestinian state, and a guarantee that Qatar will have no role in postwar arrangements.
South Lebanon
According to information from our correspondent, the Israeli drone strike on Aitaroun injured two people.
In letter to Trump, hostage families plead for Gaza cease-fire
Relatives of hostages held in Gaza sent a letter to U.S. President Donald Trump, urging him to “stand firm” in his commitment to ending the war during his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“We respectfully ask you to stand firm against any attempt to sabotage the agreement you have proposed,” wrote the Hostage Families Forum, the main group representing relatives of captives.
Herzog considers pardon for Netanyahu
Israeli President Isaac Herzog said in an interview with Army Radio that he would consider granting a pardon to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces charges of corruption, fraud and breach of trust in three separate criminal cases, Haaretz reported.
“Netanyahu’s cases are a heavy burden on the system,” Herzog said, stressing that “if I am asked to grant a pardon, I will consider it.” He added, “I will involve the public, take into account the interest of society and the state… I have tried to encourage the prosecution and defense to sit down and talk.”
At least 23 Palestinians killed in Gaza strikes since dawn
At least 23 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli airstrikes and shelling on Gaza since dawn, according to medical sources cited by Al Jazeera.
Twenty-one were killed in bombings on Gaza City, while another was shot near a food aid distribution center north of Rafah.
Iran says it executed ‘one of Israel’s top spies’
Bahman Choubi-asl, convicted of espionage and described by Iran as “one of Israel’s most important spies,” was executed at dawn, according to the Iranian judiciary. The judiciary did not immediately provide the date of his arrest.
The judiciary said Monday that Choubi-asl worked “closely” with Israeli intelligence and had “privileged access to vital and sovereign databases” of the Islamic Republic.
Netanyahu meets with Witkoff and Kushner
Ahead of his planned talks, Netanyahu met with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner in recent hours, according to a source quoted by Haaretz. The source said the meeting was positive and that “gaps are narrowing” in the Gaza truce deal.
Yemeni missile intercepted in Israel
Air raid sirens sounded in central Israel on Monday morning as the army said it intercepted a missile fired from Yemen.
Netanyahu, Trump to hold joint press conference Monday night
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump are expected to hold a news conference Monday at 8:15 p.m. Beirut time, after their meeting, AFP reported.
No press conference had originally been scheduled, but the White House added the event, according to Haaretz.
Trump has promised a Gaza truce and said he will block any Israeli annexation of the occupied West Bank.
Meanwhile, protests took place in New York outside Netanyahu’s hotel, as he faces growing international isolation.
Good morning, thank you for joining us for today's live coverage of the cease-fire in Lebanon, the war in Gaza and the events in the region.
Make sure to read today's Morning Brief to catch up on the weekend's key events.
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