Pressure is building on Germany to join steps to sanction Israel over the Gaza war, sparking heated debate in a country that has long been at pains to atone for the Holocaust.

Berlin, a steadfast supporter of Israel in the post-World War II era, has grown increasingly isolated as many of its Western allies have recognised a Palestinian state.

While they have universally condemned the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas that started the war on Gaza, many now argue that Israel's military response has been disproportionate, with no end in sight.

US President Donald Trump secured Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's backing for a wide-ranging Gaza peace plan Monday, as the two leaders warned that Israel would "finish the job" against Hamas if the Palestinian militant group rejects the deal.

Hamas had yet to give its judgment on the proposal that Trump unveiled at the White House alongside Netanyahu, leaving uncertainty swirling around the fate of the 20-point plan to end the war.

DUBAI (Reuters) -Iran executed a man named Bahman Choubi-asl on Monday, the judiciary's news outlet Mizan said, saying the defendant was "one of the most important spies for Israel in Iran".

Entangled in a decades-long shadow war with Israel, Iran has executed many individuals it accuses of having links with Israel's Mossad intelligence service and facilitating its operations in the country.

By Matt Spetalnick and Steve Holland

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Donald Trump will host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Monday, with the U.S. president pushing a Gaza peace proposal after a slew of Western leaders embraced Palestinian statehood in defiance of American and Israeli opposition.

(Reuters) -The U.S. and Israel are very close to an agreement on President Donald Trump’s plan to end the war in Gaza after talks between special envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Axios reporter Barak Ravid said in a post on social media website X on Sunday, citing a senior U.S. official.

The official added that Hamas still needs to agree, Ravid said in the post.

Earlier in the day, Trump said he hopes to finalize a Gaza peace plan proposal in a meeting on Monday with Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu.

DUBAI (Reuters) -Afghanistan's ruling Taliban released another U.S. citizen from custody on Sunday after a visit by Washington's hostage envoy Adam Boehler, the U.S. government said.

Amir Amiri, who had been detained in Afghanistan since December 2024, was released through Qatari mediation and was on his way to Doha on Sunday evening, an official source told Reuters, asking not to be identified by name or nationality.

Facing increasing isolation abroad and mounting pressure at home, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will defend his intention to "finish the job" in Gaza when he meets US President Donald Trump on Monday.

The meeting comes days after Trump unveiled a 21-point plan aimed at ending the war in the Palestinian territory during discussions with Arab and Muslim leaders on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.

On Sunday, Trump hinted at "something special" to come in Middle East talks, adding in a post on his Truth Social platform: "WE WILL GET IT DONE!!!"

ROME (Reuters) -An international aid flotilla that paused for several days in Greek waters for repairs has set sail again for Gaza, where activists aim to challenge Israel's naval blockade and deliver aid to the Palestinian territory.

Organisers said on Sunday that Greek vessels had now joined their enterprise, meaning that the flotilla, which counts some 47 civilian boats, was "complete".

(Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday there is "a real chance for greatness in the Middle East" without providing specific details or timetable, days after saying he was close to forging a deal to end the war in Gaza.

"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," he said in a Truth Social post.

Trump will meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday at the White House with the aim of reaching a framework for a deal, according to administration officials.

As United Nations sanctions returned in full force on Sunday, Iranians felt the strain deepen, with prices soaring and the rial sinking to new lows.

For Helia, a 33-year-old graphic designer in Tehran, the impact was already visible: the price tag on the furniture for her new home jumped higher within three days.

"Even before the dollar went up, prices were rising. From meat to taxis, life is already harder," she told AFP while working on an advertising project.