Gaza deal is 'pretty close'; Trump says as global warnings mount against annexation, Will not allow Israel to annex the West Bank

Western countries formally recognize an independent Palestinian state. Far-right members of Netanyahu’s coalition have repeatedly called for annexation to block this prospect.

On the other hand, Israel is facing growing international pressure to end the war in Gaza and its occupation of the West Bank.

Trump told reporters in the Oval Office,

I will not allow Israel to annex the West Bank … It’s not going to happen

Global pressure on Israel

A UN commission found Israel committed genocide in Gaza, a claim rejected by Israel’s foreign ministry as 'distorted and false.'

The European Commission has proposed restricting trade with Israel and sanctioning extremist ministers, potentially the EU’s toughest response to the Gaza war.

Gaza's health ministry reports

 Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry reports at least 65,419 deaths, including over 18,000 children.

The UN’s Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) warned in August that over half a million people in Gaza faced 'catastrophic' conditions of starvation, destitution, and death. Netanyahu has denied claims of starvation.

Israel closed the only crossing

On Wednesday, Israel closed the only crossing between the West Bank and Jordan, blocking over two million Palestinians from accessing the outside world. The closure followed an attack in which two Israeli soldiers were killed near the crossing.

In Gaza, more than 80 Palestinians, including women and children, were killed by Israeli fire, most in Gaza City. Israeli military operations began after a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, which killed around 1,200 people and left 251 hostages.

Microsoft has also cut some services to an Israeli Ministry of Defence unit after its technology was used for mass surveillance in Gaza.

International warnings

Trump has also held discussions with other Middle Eastern leaders on the matter. Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said,

I think the president of the US understands very well the risks and dangers of annexation in the West Bank

The UK and Germany have warned Israel against annexation, while UN Secretary-General António Guterres described it as 'morally, legally and politically intolerable.'

Palestinian President to talk on a peace plan

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, 89, addressed the UN General Assembly via video link, noting he was ready to work with world leaders on a peace plan for Israel and Palestine, recently announced by France.

He emphasised that Hamas would not participate in governance and called for the Palestinian state to assume full responsibilities for Gaza after an Israeli withdrawal, connecting it with the West Bank.

Abbas thanked countries that have recognised a Palestinian state, including Canada, Australia, the UK, Portugal, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Malta, Monaco, San Marino, Andorra, and Denmark.