Newsletter for Monday, July 7, 2025

A news bulletin provided by Sawa News Agency for Monday, July 7, 2025, covering the most important events in the Gaza Strip, Israel, and the West Bank.

Gaza Humanitarian Foundation" Proposes Plan to Relocate Gaza Residents

The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which is supported by the United States, has proposed a plan to relocate residents of the Gaza Strip, according to a report by Reuters published on Monday, July 7, 2025.

The proposal, reviewed by Reuters, shows that the Foundation suggested establishing camps referred to as “Humanitarian Transition Zones” inside Gaza—and possibly outside—to house Palestinians from the Strip. This points to the Foundation’s vision of “ending Hamas’s control over the population in Gaza.”

A knowledgeable source said that the plan, which would cost around $2 billion and took shape sometime after February 11, has already been presented to the Trump administration and was recently discussed at the White House.

The plan describes the camps as “large-scale” and “voluntary” spaces where Gaza residents could “temporarily reside, be de-radicalized, reintegrate, and prepare for resettlement if they choose to.”

Trump Expects Gaza Ceasefire Agreement "Within Days"

U.S. President Donald Trump said there is a “good chance” of reaching a ceasefire agreement in Gaza “within this week,” ahead of his anticipated meeting in Washington with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Speaking to reporters, Trump stated: “I believe there’s a good chance of reaching an agreement with Hamas this week or next week, concerning a significant number of hostages,” amid growing pressure on the Israeli prime minister to end the war in Gaza.

He added, “We have already succeeded in securing the release of many hostages, and with regard to the remaining ones, a considerable number are expected to be released. We expect that to happen this week.”

Indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas began Sunday evening in Doha, aiming to reach a ceasefire agreement and secure the release of hostages in Gaza. The talks come on the eve of a meeting between the U.S. President and the Israeli Prime Minister.

During the White House meeting, the two leaders are expected to discuss, in particular, the U.S. proposal for a 60-day ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, which has been ravaged by a war ongoing for 21 months between Israel and Hamas.

UN: Total Collapse of Food System in Gaza

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) confirmed on Monday, July 7, 2025, that Gaza's food system is experiencing a total collapse. The worsening famine and obstruction of aid delivery are leading to the loss of more lives.

According to the official UN website, the office stated that families in Gaza are being forced to risk their lives just to obtain food. It also reported that rates of acute malnutrition among children have doubled, and infant formula is on the verge of running out.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has expressed deep dismay over the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, reiterating his call for an immediate and lasting ceasefire, and the unconditional release of all hostages.

Gaza Health Ministry Announces Toll of Israeli Aggression

The Ministry of Health in Gaza announced on Monday, July 7, 2025, that the death toll from the Israeli aggression has risen to 57,523 martyrs and 136,617 injuries since October 7, 2023.

In its daily statistical report on the casualties of the ongoing assault, the ministry stated that 105 martyrs (including one recovered from under the rubble) and 356 injuries were recorded in the past 24 hours across Gaza’s hospitals.

The ministry also noted that since March 18, 2025, the number of casualties has reached 6,964 martyrs and 24,576 injuries.

It further confirmed that in the past 24 hours, 7 martyrs and more than 74 injuries related to humanitarian aid distribution were reported at hospitals. This brings the total number of martyrs killed while seeking food aid to 758, with more than 5,005 injuries.

Israeli Army Informs Government It Is Impossible to Achieve Both War Objectives in Gaza

Hebrew media reported that the Israeli army has informed the political leadership that it is currently impossible to simultaneously eliminate Hamas and secure the release of Israeli captives held in Gaza.

According to Army Radio on Monday, July 7, 2025, “The army has informed the political leadership that it is currently impossible to achieve both war objectives — eliminating Hamas and releasing the captives — at the same time, and that a decision must be made on which goal to prioritize first.”

The report added that the army believes the release of the captives should come first, without providing further details or clarifying whether the political leadership has responded to this position.

Tel Aviv estimates that there are around 50 Israeli captives in Gaza, including 20 who are alive, while more than 10,400 Palestinians are currently imprisoned in Israeli jails. These detainees reportedly suffer from torture, starvation, and medical neglect, which has led to the death of many, according to both Palestinian and Israeli human rights and media reports.

Since October 7, 2023, Israel — with U.S. support — has been committing what many describe as a genocide in Gaza, involving widespread killing, starvation, destruction, and forced displacement, in defiance of international appeals and rulings by the International Court of Justice to halt such actions.

The ongoing assault has resulted in over 193,000 Palestinians killed or wounded — the majority of them women and children — along with more than 10,000 missing persons and hundreds of thousands displaced from their homes.

Soldiers: “Gideon’s Chariots” Operation Is Illegal as It Aims to Displace Gaza Residents

Three Israeli reservist soldiers have filed a petition with the Supreme Court, seeking clarification on whether the objectives of the Israeli military operation “Gideon’s Chariots” in the Gaza Strip violate international law, as they allegedly aim at the forced displacement and expulsion of the enclave’s population.

Supreme Court Justice Khaled Kabub urged the Israeli army to respond to the petitioners in order to spare the court from having to deliberate on the petition, according to a report published Monday by Haaretz’s website.

In a letter sent by officer Benny Bacher from the office of the Israeli Chief of Staff to the petitioning soldiers, he stated that “the Israeli army is conducting widespread operations throughout the Gaza Strip against terror targets, through firepower and incursions.” He claimed that the evacuation of residents is intended “to reduce harm to civilians,” and that “the Israeli army advises and allows civilians in combat zones to evacuate themselves for their own protection, as long as the military operations continue in those areas.”

In their petition, the soldiers argued that the forced and permanent displacement of Palestinians from Gaza — which the Israeli government has declared as one of the war’s objectives — constitutes an illegal military act and contradicts both international law and “the core values of the Israeli military spirit.”

The petition cited a statement by Defense Minister Israel Katz, in which he said he had instructed the army to seize additional areas in Gaza and evacuate their residents, declaring: “The longer Hamas refuses to release the hostages, the more territory it will lose.”

The petition also referenced a report by Channel 12 regarding a conversation between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi (though the petition mistakenly mentions Eyal Zamir), during which Netanyahu said: “The alternative to the evacuation plan to the south is to crush the entire Strip and occupy everything — that would mean killing the hostages, and I don’t want or agree to that.”

A military directive for Operation “Gideon’s Chariots,” issued to army officers around two months ago, revealed that freeing the Israeli captives was listed as the last objective of the campaign. The fifth objective was described as “concentration and relocation of the population,” preceded by “defeating Hamas,” “military control of the area,” “disarmament,” and “targeting Hamas governance.” The newspaper reported that some officers were surprised to discover that the Israeli army had replaced the word “captives” with “hostages.”

Liberman: Netanyahu Is Sacrificing Soldiers in Gaza to Keep His Government Alive

Former Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Liberman said on Monday, July 7, 2025, that the soldiers killed in Gaza in recent months lost their lives for the survival of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.

This marks Liberman’s harshest attack in a long time on the government, despite his regular criticism and repeated calls for early elections. Liberman is the leader of the right-wing opposition party Yisrael Beiteinu.

 

According to Israel's Channel 7, Liberman said during a speech before his party’s lawmakers in the Knesset: “The soldiers who were killed in recent months did not die for Israel’s security — they died on the altar of preserving the coalition.”

Since October 7, 2023, Israel, with full U.S. support, has been committing acts of genocide in Gaza that have resulted in the deaths and injuries of approximately 194,000 Palestinians — most of them women and children — with over 11,000 still missing and hundreds of thousands displaced.

Since the start of the war, 883 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 6,060 injured — most of them in Gaza — according to military data. In recent weeks, the army has reported the deaths and injuries of many of its troops in the Strip.

 

Liberman added: “It is possible to reach an agreement to release all the hostages, but the government is actively sabotaging it.”

In recent days, both Israeli and American officials have increasingly spoken of the possibility of reaching a prisoner exchange agreement and a ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian factions in Gaza.

On Friday, Hamas announced that it had submitted a “positive” response to the mediators regarding a proposed agreement and affirmed that it was “fully ready to immediately enter a negotiation round on the implementation mechanism.”

The movement has repeatedly declared its willingness to release all Israeli captives “in one batch” in exchange for ending the genocide and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

However, Netanyahu continues to evade such a deal by introducing new conditions and insisting on guarantees that the war can be resumed. The Israeli opposition asserts that he is prolonging the war to satisfy the most extreme right-wing elements in his coalition and to ensure his political survival.

 

Earlier on Monday, Liberman told Army Radio: “I hope (former U.S. President Donald) Trump imposes a comprehensive agreement on Netanyahu. There is no justification for a partial deal. The government is pursuing it for one reason only — to maintain the coalition.”

Netanyahu began a visit to the United States on Monday, which will continue through Thursday, during which he is expected to meet with top officials, including Trump.

According to Israeli media reports, the meetings will focus on a possible Gaza ceasefire, the recent war with Iran, and the potential normalization of relations between Israel and additional Arab states.

On June 13, with U.S. support, Israel launched a 12-day offensive against Iran. In retaliation, Iran targeted Israel with ballistic missiles and drones. On June 24, the United States announced a ceasefire agreement between the two countries.

Tel Aviv and Tehran consider each other arch-enemies. The recent Israeli offensive marked a shift from decades of “shadow war” — involving assassinations and covert attacks — to an unprecedented open hybrid war between the two nations.

Katz: There Is a Plan to Encourage Voluntary Migration from Gaza, and We Are Looking for Host Countries

Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz confirmed on Monday, July 7, 2025, that Israel currently controls about 70% of the Gaza Strip and intends to remain there until all captives are returned.

In a press statement, Katz said that Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich did not reject the issue of humanitarian aid for Gaza, but rather objected to it being managed through Hamas.

He also pointed out that there is a plan to establish a civilian zone south of the Morag axis to isolate Gaza’s population from Hamas, and that Israel is searching for an international body to manage this area.

Katz emphasized that there is a plan to encourage voluntary migration from Gaza, and that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is working on finding host countries for this purpose.

Netanyahu Arrives in Washington to Meet Trump — Here’s What His Office Said About the Doha Talks

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in the United States on Monday, July 7, 2025, ahead of a meeting with President Donald Trump.

According to Israel's Channel 12, “After about 12 hours in the air, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu landed aboard the ‘Wings of Zion’ aircraft at Andrews Air Force Base in Washington.”

The channel added that Netanyahu refused to answer journalists’ questions upon disembarking the plane.

Unnamed American sources told the channel that the U.S. administration is seeking a clear declaration from both Israel and Hamas committing to a ceasefire agreement in Gaza.

The sources explained that “it may take a few days after the announcement to finalize the details, but the goal is to establish a commitment to the process.”

 

On Sunday, Trump told reporters there was a “good chance” of reaching a deal with Hamas this week regarding the exchange of a large number of captives. He added: “As you know, we have already secured the release of most of the hostages, and we believe many of the remaining ones will be released this week.”

Meanwhile, Netanyahu’s office denied reports of a stalemate in the ongoing negotiations in Doha, Qatar.

 

Channel 12 quoted the Prime Minister’s Office as saying: “We are in communication and there is progress. Hamas’s response was not as positive as we had hoped, but the Prime Minister decided to send a delegation to try to resolve the differences. Talks will continue today as well, and the atmosphere is constructive.”

An Israeli delegation had arrived in Doha on Sunday to resume indirect talks with Hamas, through mediators, in an effort to reach a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement.

Tel Aviv estimates that around 50 Israeli captives remain in Gaza, including 20 believed to be alive, while over 10,400 Palestinians are held in Israeli prisons under harsh conditions — including torture, starvation, and medical neglect — which have led to multiple deaths, according to both Palestinian and Israeli human rights and media reports.

The channel also noted that Netanyahu is scheduled today to hold preparatory meetings with U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Netanyahu’s meeting with Trump is expected to take place around 1:00 AM Israel time, followed by a live press briefing.

His visit to Washington is set to continue through Thursday, during which he will meet with several U.S. officials and lawmakers.

This marks Netanyahu’s third visit to the United States in five months.

Israeli Analysts: Trump Will Force Netanyahu to Choose Between These Options

Israeli analysts painted a similar picture of what is expected to unfold during the meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Monday evening, July 7, 2025. Netanyahu will likely face a choice between continuing the war in Gaza or reshaping the Middle East and strengthening the position of countries in the region, with Israel at the forefront.

According to Meir Ben-Shabbat, former head of Israel’s National Security Council and a close ally of Netanyahu, “In addition to the efforts to free the hostages and celebrate successes against Iran, the purpose of this visit to Washington is to advance the Trump-Netanyahu vision for changing the face of the region. The proposed agenda covers a long list of open issues, including Iran, Turkey, Syria, Judea and Samaria (West Bank), and Saudi Arabia.”

In an article for Israel Hayom, Ben-Shabbat added, “In such circumstances, Israel’s insistence on positions that could hinder achieving the U.S. president’s plans would be difficult and could be interpreted as ingratitude.”

Ben-Shabbat believes that Iran is preparing for another round of fighting with Israel and that Israel achieved “everything that could have been achieved” in its recent war with Iran. However, he said that Iran remains a “wounded, humiliated animal thirsty for revenge.”

He argued, “The path to peace with Saudi Arabia is now more open than ever. Targeting Iran’s nuclear program, defeating Hezbollah, and weakening Assad’s regime has created a Middle East where Arab countries could view Israel as a central player in solving regional problems.” However, he stressed that “relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel should not be conditioned on granting greater status to the ‘Palestinian Authority.’ A Palestinian state is a threat to Israel.”

Ben-Shabbat continued, “Since October 7, Israel can no longer afford questionable adventures. The Abraham Accords have stripped Palestinians of their veto power over the normalization of relations between Arab countries and Israel. We must not allow agreements, alliances, or economic gains to blind us. Peace with Saudi Arabia is a critical goal full of benefits, but it is not worth any price.”

Military analyst Yoav Limor of Israel Hayom noted that “Trump wants to secure the release of all hostages as part of an agreement between Israel and Hamas to end the war in Gaza and focus on reshaping the Middle East through political agreements with a group of countries, including security and economic gains. He believes such an agreement will not only strengthen those countries, with Israel at the forefront, but also serve as a bulwark against Iran’s ambitions to rebuild itself and solidify its position in the region, as well as against America’s central adversaries, China and Russia.”

Limor added that “This entire package will be presented to Netanyahu. He can either adopt it as it is, including the political costs associated with the need to end the war, or try to adopt parts of it. It is unclear how Trump will respond in this case, and whether he will insist on implementing his proposal as he did when he returned Israeli planes from Iran, or if he will lose interest.”

Limor pointed out that before leaving for Washington, Netanyahu hinted that he was prepared for compromises, which would require at least a temporary halt to the war, while insisting on a phased agreement without agreeing to a full ceasefire as Hamas demands. This would allow Netanyahu to appease the far-right factions in his government.

Journalist Nadav Eyal, writing for Yedioth Ahronoth, highlighted that relations between the Israeli security-political cabinet and the Israeli military are “deteriorating at a slow pace,” as evidenced by attacks from Ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir against the Chief of Staff, Herzi Halevi. “However, the big story is the military governance scenario, essentially the dream of fully occupying the Gaza Strip, using it as a bridge to establish the first settlement in Beit Hanoun. The Israeli military sees this as a massive trap.”

Eyal noted that “The far-right ministers are the ones most pushing for military rule, but there are other, less extreme ministers who believe there is no choice and that defeating Hamas completely is necessary for Israel’s survival in the region. The plan they are discussing now was developed by the Israeli army and the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories, General Ghassan Aliyan.”

He added that this plan includes “moving all residents to a humanitarian zone in the south, and establishing a de facto military rule in southern Gaza. It is unclear who would govern, who would fund this project, and who would manage it. During the relocation of residents, a siege will be imposed on the rest of the Strip. Ultimately, it is believed that hostages could be released alive, according to the proponents of this plan. However, the army explicitly states that this is not feasible.”

According to Eyal, “Hamas can still thwart the deal (for a ceasefire and prisoner exchange). Netanyahu could also fail it. But continuing the positioning in Gaza and establishing a ‘new zone’ at Israel’s expense for all Gaza residents, along with the loss of hostages, is not a good way to win elections. Netanyahu knows this. He has a golden opportunity, with a president deeply committed to reshaping the Middle East. He can choose this opportunity, the rational political step, or opt for the color of tents and new humanitarian zones in the Rafah area.”

Political analyst Nahum Barnea of Yedioth Ahronoth stated that “Netanyahu will meet with a U.S. president who is confident in his power, more pleased with himself than in their previous meetings. Trump will meet with an Israeli prime minister who is also more confident and pleased with himself. Past meetings between the prime minister and president were arranged in advance. With Trump in his second term, his behavior is harder to predict. He may praise Netanyahu, or he may sharply criticize him.”

Barnea added that “This is part of Trump’s strength. Uncertainty creates panic, and panic breeds compliance. Netanyahu fears Trump more than he fears Smotrich. Hamas envoys are demanding that Trump commit, with his voice and signature, that at the end of the deal the war will end, and both sides will enter a ceasefire for years. Trump’s words will carry significant weight. The more binding and clear they are, the more Netanyahu’s commitment to continue the war until a total victory will be disproven and exposed as false.”

Barnea concluded that “Netanyahu’s path is more complicated and demanding. He must change his agenda: a deal first that ends the Gaza saga, without tricks, and then a political process. There are no free gifts.”

Israel and Hamas Resume Indirect Talks, Netanyahu to Meet Trump

Israel and Hamas are set to resume indirect talks in Qatar on Monday, July 7, 2025, for the second consecutive day.

The aim of the talks is to reach a ceasefire agreement and an arrangement regarding the release of hostages held in Gaza, ahead of the meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington.

According to Reuters, the U.S. president stated that it is possible to reach an agreement this week. Netanyahu said on Sunday, before heading to Washington, that Israeli negotiators had been given clear instructions to achieve a ceasefire under terms acceptable to Israel.

An Israeli official described the atmosphere in the talks mediated by Qatar and Egypt so far as positive. Palestinian officials, however, stated that the initial meetings held on Sunday ended without any decisive outcomes.

Another Israeli official mentioned that the issue of humanitarian aid was discussed in Qatar, but did not provide further details.

The ceasefire talks have come to the forefront after Israel’s 12-day military campaign against Iran, a key supporter of Hamas.

The U.S.-backed proposal for a 60-day ceasefire calls for the gradual release of hostages, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from parts of Gaza, and discussions to eventually end the war entirely.

Ending the war has been the main point of contention in previous rounds of talks. Hamas demands a complete end to the conflict in exchange for the release of all hostages, while Israel insists on continuing the fight until Hamas is dismantled.

Some of Netanyahu's hardline coalition partners oppose ending the fighting. However, with increasing concerns among Israelis over the ongoing 21-month war, it is expected that his government will support a ceasefire.

24 Martyrs in Israeli Airstrikes Targeting Nuseirat, Khan Younis, and Gaza City

A Palestinian medical source reported on Monday evening, July 7, 2025, that 24 Palestinians were martyred, and dozens were injured in Israeli airstrikes targeting areas in Khan Younis (south), Nuseirat (central), and Gaza City.

In Nuseirat refugee camp, 11 citizens were martyred, and 72 others were injured in an Israeli airstrike that targeted a gathering of people near the Al-Ghurab Square in the northern part of the camp.

Eyewitnesses told Sawa News Agency that an Israeli reconnaissance drone launched a missile at the gathering, leading to the martyrdom of 11 citizens and injuries to others, including women and children.

In addition, two other citizens were martyred, and several others were injured in an Israeli airstrike targeting a tent sheltering displaced people west of Nuseirat camp in central Gaza.

In Gaza City, four citizens were martyred, and several others were injured in an Israeli airstrike targeting a group of people near Al-Sahaba Mosque in the Al-Daraj neighborhood in the eastern part of the city.

Three other citizens were martyred, and several others were injured in an Israeli airstrike targeting a civilian vehicle near the entrance of Shifa Hospital west of Gaza City.

In Khan Younis, four citizens, including a child, were martyred, and others were injured in an Israeli drone attack on a tent sheltering displaced people in the Al-Mawasi area in western Khan Younis, south of the Gaza Strip.

Sources in Gaza hospitals reported that 62 martyrs arrived at hospitals across the Gaza Strip due to a series of Israeli airstrikes since dawn today, including 26 in Gaza City and its northern areas.

Gaza - Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital Threatened with Shutdown in the Coming Hours

The management of Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza, warned on Monday evening, July 7, 2025, that the hospital could cease operations in the coming hours due to a shortage of fuel and the malfunctioning of its main generator.

In a press statement, which Sawa News Agency received a copy of, the hospital administration announced that the main generator had broken down, and spare parts for its repair were unavailable. It confirmed that the depletion of fuel in the coming hours would put the lives of hundreds of patients at risk, potentially leading to deaths inside the hospital.

The administration also stated that the shutdown of the hospital would impact healthcare services for half a million people in the central governorate.

The hospital called on the international community and relevant authorities to intervene immediately to save the hospital.

المصدر : وكالة سوا اشترك في القائمة البريدية ليصلك آخر الأخبار وكل ما هو جديد المزيد من Palestine Now - English Newsletter for Sunday, July 6, 2025 Newsletter for Saturday, July 5, 2025 Newsletter for Friday, July 4, 2025 الأكثر قراءة اعتراض مسيرة "أطلقت من اليمن" بعد الهجوم على الحديدة منظمة التعاون الإسلامي تعقد اجتماعًا طارئًا لمناقشة العدوان الإسرائيلي تفاصيل الاتصال الهاتفي بين الرئيس عباس وبابا الفاتيكان الجيش الإسرائيلي يبدأ عملية برية بدير البلح وسط غزة عاجل

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