Death Toll Surpasses 66,000 as Netanyahu Prepares Crisis Meeting with Trump
The death toll in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict has surpassed 66,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prepares to meet with US President Donald Trump to discuss halting the offensive. The dire humanitarian crisis has left medical staff struggling to provide aid to those affected, prompting world leaders to urge a peaceful resolution.
The meeting between Netanyahu and Trump is set to take place at the White House, despite growing international pressure on Netanyahu to end the war. According to sources close to the administration, the US President aims to use the meeting as an opportunity to broker a ceasefire and alleviate the suffering of innocent civilians caught in the crossfire.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains catastrophic, with medical staff working tirelessly to treat the wounded. Dr. Paul Ransom, a British doctor assisting local medical teams, described the conditions on the ground: "We're seeing a massive influx of patients, many with severe injuries. The lack of resources and infrastructure is making it extremely challenging for us to provide adequate care."
The conflict has been ongoing since September 2025, with both sides trading blame for the escalation. According to the Israeli military, Hamas militants have launched thousands of rockets into Israel, while Palestinian officials claim that Israeli airstrikes have caused widespread destruction and civilian casualties.
As the death toll continues to rise, world leaders are calling on Netanyahu to take immediate action to end the war. "The international community is watching with growing concern as the situation in Gaza deteriorates," said a spokesperson for the United Nations. "We urge all parties involved to exercise restraint and work towards a peaceful resolution."
Netanyahu's meeting with Trump comes at a critical juncture, as the US President seeks to broker a lasting peace agreement between Israel and Palestine. According to sources close to the administration, Trump is willing to use his influence to pressure Netanyahu into accepting a ceasefire.
The fate of the negotiations remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the humanitarian crisis in Gaza demands immediate attention from world leaders. As Dr. Ransom noted, "We need a sustained effort to address the root causes of this conflict and provide relief to those affected."
Background
The Israel-Hamas conflict has been ongoing for months, with both sides trading blame for the escalation. The conflict began in September 2025, when Hamas militants launched a series of rocket attacks into Israel. In response, Israeli forces launched airstrikes on Gaza, leading to widespread destruction and civilian casualties.
Current Status
The death toll in the conflict has surpassed 66,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. Medical staff are struggling to provide aid to those affected, with many hospitals overwhelmed by the influx of patients.
Next Steps
Netanyahu is set to meet with Trump at the White House on [date], where they will discuss halting the Israeli offensive in Gaza City. The meeting comes as international pressure mounts on Netanyahu to end the war and address the humanitarian crisis.
Sources:
Gaza's Health Ministry
Israeli military
United Nations
Dr. Paul Ransom, British doctor assisting local medical teams
This story was compiled from reports by NPR Politics and BREAKING: NPR News.