The Israel Defense Forces is continuing its operation to take control of Gaza City, the largest urban area in the Gaza Strip, despite international outcry over the deteriorated humanitarian situation in the Palestinian territory.
Meanwhile, in protest of Israel's continuation of its military operations in Gaza, several nations including France, the U.K. and Canada recognized Palestinian statehood as leaders gathered in New York last week for meetings at the United Nations General Assembly.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the leaders on Friday, again saying Israel will not allow an independent Palestinian state to exist.
Ahead of hosting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Monday, President Donald Trump posted to social media teasing successful negotiations among "all" parties in the Middle East -- claiming "something special" is on the horizon for "greatness" in the region.
Palestinians gather to receive food from a charity kitchen in Nuseirat, central Gaza Strip, on Sept. 28, 2025.
Mahmoud Issa/Reuters
"We have a real chance for GREATNESS IN THE MIDDLE EAST. ALL ARE ON BOARD FOR SOMETHING SPECIAL, FIRST TIME EVER. WE WILL GET IT DONE," Trump wrote on social media. It was not immediately clear which countries or leaders Trump was referring to.
The post comes days after Trump reported "inspired and productive" discussions regarding a possible ceasefire deal in the Gaza Strip.
-ABC News' Isabella Murray
Sep 28, 2025, 7:20 AM EDT
Gaza death toll tops 66,000, health ministry says
The Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry said Sunday that 79 people were killed and 379 people injured over the past 24 hours as Israeli forces continued their military operation in the strip.
An Israeli tank maneuvres in Gaza, as seen from the Israeli side of the border, on Sept. 28, 2025.
Amir Cohen/Reuters
Among the dead were two bodies recovered from under rubble, with officials warning that more victims remain trapped in places that rescue crews cannot reach.
The ministry put the cumulative toll since Israel's campaign began on Oct. 7, 2023, at 66,005 dead and 168,162 wounded.
At least 13,137 people have been killed and 56,121 have been injured since Israel broke the last ceasefire on March 18, the ministry said.
Among those killed over the previous 24 hours were six people killed seeking food aid, with another 66 people injured while doing the same. The ministry said the overall toll of what it called "livelihood seekers" killed has now reached 2,566, with more than 18,769 wounded.
In a separate statement, the ministry said that some hospitals and clinics in Gaza City remain partially functional, despite bombardment and severe shortages of medicine and supplies.
The ministry credited the "exceptional efforts" of doctors and staff working under what it called "extreme danger."
The ministry appealed to the UN and the international community to provide protection for medical facilities and ensure urgent deliveries of essential supplies so they can continue operating.
-ABC News' Samy Zyara and Dada Jovanovic
Sep 28, 2025, 5:32 AM EDT
Hamas says no new ceasefire proposals after Trump post
Hamas released a statement on Sunday denying that it had received "any new proposals" for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, after U.S. President Donald Trump said that "intense negotiations were ongoing."
A mobile artillery unit fires towards Gaza from the Israeli side of the border on Sept. 28, 2025.
Amir Cohen/Reuters
Trump said in a social media post on Friday, "All of the Countries within the Region are involved, Hamas is very much aware of these discussions, and Israel has been informed at all levels, including Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu."
But Hamas said in its Sunday statement that it had received nothing new from the mediating parties.
Hamas said that negotiations "have been suspended since the failed assassination attempt" against top Hamas officials in Doha, referring to the Israeli strike in the Qatari capital on Sept. 9.
"Hamas reiterates its readiness to consider any proposals that may be presented by the mediators with full positivity and responsibility, in a manner that safeguards the national rights of our people," the statement said.
-ABC News' Rashid Haddou
Sep 28, 2025, 5:06 AM EDT
IDF bombs 140 targets in Gaza in 24 hours
The Israel Defense Forces said in a post to X on Sunday that Israeli warplanes bombed 140 targets across the Gaza Strip over the previous 24 hours.
Smoke rises from Gaza after explosions as seen from the Israeli side of the border on Sept. 28, 2025.
Amir Cohen/Reuters
Strikes targeted what the IDF said were "military buildings," fighters and "infrastructure" used by enemy forces.
Meanwhile, the IDF said its ground forces continued operations deep within Gaza City, the strip's largest urban area and the focus of a major ongoing IDF offensive.
Troops of the three IDF divisions operating in the city -- the 36th, 98th and 162nd -- engaged enemy fighters and destroyed buildings in recent operations, the IDF said.