US President Donald Trump met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at White House, sparking hope for fresh Gaza ceasefire and hostage release plan.

Oval Office talks focused on ending 18-month conflict and freeing hostages held in Gaza. Netanyahu expressed optimism, saying, “We’re working with Trump on new deal that could succeed.” Trump called Netanyahu “great partner” and stressed efforts to secure another truce, but his remarks stirred controversy.

Trump labeled Gaza “key territory” and reiterated plans to take control, proposing to relocate Palestinians and transform enclave into “freedom zone.” Critics slammed comments as inflammatory, especially with Israeli forces intensifying attacks in Gaza and West Bank. Outside White House, hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters rallied against ongoing Israeli aggression, waving flags and chanting for peace.

Meanwhile, violence escalated elsewhere. International media reported four killed in US drone strike in Yemen’s Sanaa, targeting Houthi positions. US Defense Secretary warned strikes would continue until Houthi attacks on Red Sea ships stop. In West Bank, Israeli operations left several dead, including Palestinian-American teenager, drawing global outrage.

Across Palestine, general strike shut down shops, schools, and streets Monday, protesting Gaza assaults. From East Jerusalem to Ramallah and Hebron, cities fell silent. Hamas, Fatah, and other groups backed strike, uniting Palestinians against civilian killings. “Children’s suffering is beyond words. Allah is our hope,” said Ramallah resident Amirul. Normally bustling Salahuddin Street in Jerusalem stood empty, symbolizing widespread anger.

Amid chaos, France, Egypt, and Jordan demanded immediate Gaza ceasefire. Leaders met in Cairo’s Al-Ittihadiya Palace, urging humanitarian aid access and hostage release. French President Emmanuel Macron called for international summit with Saudi Arabia to push two-state solution rejecting forced Palestinian displacement.

Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi echoed stance, aligning Cairo with Paris. Talks also yielded health, education, and transport cooperation deals between Egypt and France.

Read more: U.S. Airstrikes Kill Four in Yemen’s Sanaa, Escalate Tensions with Iran Amid Regional Conflict

As Gaza faces relentless Israeli strikes and regional tensions rise, world watches Trump-Netanyahu moves closely. Protests, strikes, and diplomatic efforts signal growing push for peace, but Trump’s control-and-relocation vision risks fueling further unrest.