White House envoy Steve Witkoff sent a new proposal last week to Hamas for a Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal through an Israeli peace activist, two sources with direct knowledge told Axios.

Why it matters: The new U.S. proposal aims to find a diplomatic solution ahead of the massive offensive Israel is planning to launch to occupy Gaza City.

Driving the news: On Friday, President Trump said the U.S. is "in deep negotiations with Hamas" on a Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal. • He stressed the U.S. message to Hamas is: "If you immediately release the hostages, good things are going to happen, but if you don't — it is going to be tough and nasty for you." • Trump comments came as the Israeli military began flattening high-rise buildings in Gaza City that it claims are used by Hamas for m

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