Live Gaza War News: EU backs Trump’s peace plan and a push for ceasefire
The European Union welcomed Israel’s expressed support for the peace proposal put forward by the United States and urged Hamas to accept the plan, release all remaining hostages, and lay down arms. In a statement on behalf of the EU, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, called on those with influence to deliver these messages to Hamas and underscored that there is no military solution to the conflict. The message emphasized a constructive commitment to ending the Gaza tragedy and to laying the groundwork for a peaceful future for Israelis and Palestinians alike.
As diplomatic channels focus on a possible path forward, observers note that the plan hinges on Hamas responsiveness and on broader regional support for an immediate and verifiable ceasefire. While the EU welcomes dialogue and a political approach, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to demand swift action to protect civilians and ensure aid access.
Violent incidents between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv during Yom Kippur
In the wake of the Yom Kippur fast, Israeli authorities reported a thwarted attack at the Bel checkpoint on Route 433, between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. Two attackers targeted soldiers manning the position; one opened fire and was killed by troops, while the second was arrested. There were no reported injuries among soldiers or civilians, but the incident underscores the ongoing security pressures in the central corridor of Israel.
Hamas claims rocket strikes on Ashdod during Yom Kippur
Hamas’ armed wing claimed responsibility for a volley of rockets against Ashdod, a southern Israeli port city, citing a response to attacks on civilians. The IDF said five rockets were launched from northern Gaza; four were intercepted by air defenses and one landed in an open area. The episode occurred as Israeli naval forces began intercepting the flotilla attempting to break Gaza’s maritime blockade, illustrating how multiple fronts remain active during major religious observances.
MSF reports deadly attack on humanitarian staff in Gaza
Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) announced the killing of Omar Hayek, a 42-year-old occupational therapist, and the serious wounding of four other staff members during a morning attack in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza. All MSF personnel wore white vests clearly identifying them as humanitarian workers. The organization expressed deep sorrow for Omar’s death, noting that he had worked since 2018 to restore dignity and mobility to patients. The strike also injured a physiotherapist, an orthopedic surgeon, a supply manager, and a financial assistant, with at least one operator in critical condition due to shrapnel injuries. MSF stressed that such attacks threaten critical medical care for the besieged population and called for accountability and protection of all aid workers.
Displacement, hunger, and the urgency of a ceasefire
The humanitarian toll continues to mount as hundreds of thousands of Gazans are displaced from the north to the south in search of safety, often meeting renewed violence. Aid agencies warn that no area in Gaza feels secure, and the population remains under severe food shortages and siege conditions. MSF and other groups have pressed for an immediate ceasefire to halt the bloodshed and to create space for sustained humanitarian relief and essential medical care.
Putin’s remarks and wider geopolitical dynamics
Russian president Vladimir Putin, addressing the Valdai Discussion Club, described the Palestinian-Israeli conflict as a case where Western policies may be impeding resolution. He noted Moscow’s awareness of Trump’s attempts to broker a settlement and suggested there could be a “light at the end of the tunnel,” while stopping short of a full endorsement of the plan. His comments signal continued great-power interest in shaping talks and verifying commitments on the ground.
Palestinian factions weigh three options on Trump’s plan
According to Al-Araby Al-Jadeed’s online edition, Palestinian factions led by Hamas are weighing three main avenues in response to Trump’s peace proposal. The options are: (1) accept the plan with changes, including adjustments to withdrawal mechanisms and a U.N.-backed international peace council chaired by Trump; (2) reject the proposal in its current form; or (3) seek clarifications and concessions, potentially conditioned on official recognition of a Palestinian state within 1967 borders, without overtly opposing the plan. The discussions reflect the fragility of unity among Palestinian groups as diplomacy intensifies.
Regional flashpoints and the broader security image
Meanwhile, regional security remains volatile. In Lebanon, a separate strike by an Israeli drone reportedly killed two engineers working for Hezbollah’s civil reconstruction agency, highlighting how the conflict’s reach extends beyond Gaza. The incident, framed by ongoing assessments of damage and needs in border areas, reinforces the importance of restraint and credible mediation as violence persists on multiple fronts.
What comes next
With international diplomacy intensifying and frontline incidents continuing, the path to a durable ceasefire remains uncertain. The EU’s call for hostage releases and a constructive engagement, the humanitarian community’s insistence on protection for aid workers, and the cross-regional interest in a political settlement all point to a shared desire to reduce civilian suffering. As leaders weigh responses to Trump’s plan and regional actors reassess options, observers caution that only a verified ceasefire, sustained humanitarian access, and credible guarantees for a Palestinian state within agreed borders can alter the trajectory of this protracted crisis.
