Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has officially nominated U.S. President Donald Trump for the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize. The announcement was made during Netanyahu’s trip to Washington, where he and Trump held a private dinner to discuss Middle East peace efforts and recent military operations against Iran.
“He’s forging peace as we speak,” Netanyahu said, handing over a formal nomination letter to Trump. He added that the letter would be sent to the Nobel Peace Prize Committee in Norway.
As a sitting member of a national parliament, Netanyahu is among the eligible nominators under the Nobel Committee’s criteria. Others who can nominate include university professors, directors of peace institutes, past laureates, and heads of state. The Nobel Institute confirmed that 338 individuals and organizations are nominated for the 2025 prize — 244 individuals and 94 organizations — though names are kept confidential for 50 years unless revealed by nominators themselves.
Trump and Netanyahu Push Gaza Ceasefire
President Trump said he would meet Netanyahu again on Tuesday to continue pushing for a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. The two leaders are working toward a 60-day truce in Gaza, along with the release of 10 live and nine deceased hostages.
Trump said, “He [Netanyahu] wants to get it solved, and I want to get it solved. I think the other side wants to.” U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff echoed Trump’s optimism, saying that a deal might be finalized within the week. Talks are currently underway in Qatar with indirect participation from Hamas and Israel, mediated by Qatar and Egypt.
Vice President JD Vance and House Speaker Mike Johnson are also scheduled to meet with Netanyahu during his Washington visit, which runs through Thursday. It is Netanyahu’s third visit since Trump returned to office in January 2025.
Israel Proposes “Humanitarian City” in Rafah
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has proposed the creation of a “humanitarian city” in Rafah, southern Gaza, to house displaced Palestinians. The plan aims to relocate around 600,000 people currently sheltering in tents in the nearby Mawasi area.
The proposed zone would be managed by unspecified international organizations, while Israel would provide security. Entrants would be subject to security screenings to prevent Hamas fighters from entering. Katz claimed the facility could help facilitate “voluntary emigration” of Palestinians — a statement many critics see as code for forced expulsion.
Although Netanyahu has denied plans to expel Palestinians against their will, members of his far-right coalition have openly supported removing Palestinians from Gaza to pave the way for new Israeli settlements. The Rafah plan comes amid ongoing international scrutiny over Israel’s actions in Gaza, particularly its military presence and humanitarian impact.
Red Sea Attacks: Three Killed in Houthi Strike
A Liberian-flagged ship, the Eternity C, was attacked by Yemen’s Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, resulting in the deaths of three mariners. The EU Naval Force confirmed that the Greek-owned cargo vessel was struck by drones and speedboats on Monday evening.
This is the first deadly attack by the Houthis on Red Sea shipping since November 2024. A day earlier, another ship — the Magic Seas — was also targeted and eventually sank, though its crew survived.
The U.S. Embassy in Yemen condemned the Houthis, calling the attack a “blatant disregard for human life.” The British-run UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said the Eternity C sustained severe damage and had lost propulsion.
The EU labeled the attacks “a serious escalation” that threatens global maritime security in one of the world’s busiest trade routes.
Five Israeli Soldiers Killed in Gaza Blast
Israel’s military reported that five soldiers were killed and 14 injured during overnight operations in Gaza. The incident occurred in Beit Hanun, northern Gaza, after a series of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) detonated.
Prime Minister Netanyahu mourned the loss, stating, “All of Israel bows its head and mourns the fall of our heroic soldiers.” This brings the total number of Israeli soldiers killed in Gaza since the ground operation began to 449, according to The Times of Israel.
Gaza Medical Clinic Shut Down Amid Shelling
The Palestine Red Crescent Society announced that it was forced to shut down the Al-Zaytoun Medical Clinic in Gaza City due to ongoing Israeli shelling. The clinic had been a vital healthcare hub, especially for displaced families who had fled other parts of Gaza due to evacuation orders.
According to the Red Crescent, 18 of its medical clinics have been forced to close since the war began, leaving thousands without access to essential healthcare and vaccinations.
Iran Confirms Over 1,000 Deaths from Recent Conflict
Iran has officially raised its death toll from the recent 12-day conflict with Israel to at least 1,060, with authorities warning the number could climb due to the severity of some injuries.
Saeed Ohadi, head of Iran’s Foundation of Martyrs and Veterans’ Affairs, disclosed the updated figures. Meanwhile, U.S.-based Human Rights Activists estimate at least 1,190 deaths and over 4,475 injured in Iran due to Israeli airstrikes, including those targeting nuclear facilities.
Trump, Netanyahu Hail Iran Strikes as Peace Strategy
The joint U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities are being framed by both Trump and Netanyahu as critical steps toward long-term regional peace. Trump confirmed that “bunker-buster” bombs and Tomahawk missiles were used to destroy three major sites. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian acknowledged in an interview that the damage was so severe that access to those facilities remains impossible.
Despite the aggression, both leaders insist the strikes aim to reset the balance and initiate new negotiations. Trump said the U.S. was ready to resume nuclear talks with Iran and that preliminary meetings may occur within the week. Iran, however, has not confirmed its participation.
Netanyahu Reaffirms Opposition to Palestinian Statehood
During his Washington visit, Netanyahu once again ruled out the possibility of an independent Palestinian state. While expressing willingness to give Palestinians limited autonomy, he insisted that Israel must retain full security control.
He cited the Hamas-led October 7, 2023 attacks as justification, saying: “The Palestinians should have all the powers to govern themselves, but none of the powers to threaten us.”
Trump, when asked about a two-state solution, deferred to Netanyahu and expressed uncertainty about its feasibility.
Trump Claims Hamas Ready for Ceasefire
Trump stated that Hamas is ready to agree to a ceasefire. “They want to meet and they want to have that ceasefire,” he told reporters. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff added that a deal may come “very soon,” with further meetings planned in Doha later this week.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt praised Qatar and Egypt for facilitating talks. “They’ve been incredibly helpful partners,” she said, stressing that ending the war is a top priority for the administration.
The Information is Collected from CNN and MSN.
