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Israel Receives Body of Deceased Hostage as Rafah Crossing Reopening Hinges on Final Returns 
Israeli forces advanced further into Gaza City on Thursday while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu traveled to New York to address the United Nations General Assembly. The escalation came as U.S. President Donald Trump pushed forward with a proposed Middle East peace plan aimed at ending the war.
According to Gaza health authorities, at least 19 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes within 24 hours, including 11 members of two families in the central town of Zawayda. Israel’s military confirmed hitting 170 targets across Gaza, describing them as “terror infrastructure” used by militant groups, but gave no comment on the Zawayda strike.
The ground offensive, which Israel says is designed to eliminate Hamas following its October 2023 attack, has intensified destruction and deepened the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Hundreds of thousands of civilians remain trapped in Gaza City, with scarce food, medical care, and nowhere safe to flee.
U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff expressed confidence that Washington could secure a breakthrough soon, following Trump’s 21-point peace plan shared with Muslim leaders in New York. Politico reported that Trump assured Arab nations Israel would not annex the West Bank, a territory Palestinians want for a future state.
Netanyahu, who has repeatedly rejected Palestinian statehood, said he will denounce countries recognizing Palestine when he addresses the UN on Friday. The International Criminal Court has issued a warrant for Netanyahu over alleged Gaza war crimes, which Israel rejects. Despite mounting international criticism, Netanyahu continues to count on U.S. backing, with Trump warning that recognition of a Palestinian state could embolden Hamas.
About 1,200 people were killed and 251 taken hostage during Hamas’ October 2023 attack. Israel says around 48 hostages remain in Gaza, with 20 believed alive. Meanwhile, Gaza health authorities report over 65,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s military campaign.
Families of hostages fear for their loved ones as Hamas warns that an expanded assault on Gaza City could endanger captives. Ordinary Palestinians describe worsening hunger, collapsed health care, and a dire humanitarian catastrophe.
