Just a week after US President Donald Trump was warmly welcomed in Israel for securing a Gaza ceasefire and prisoner exchange, the situation has taken a dangerous turn. Sunday marked the most significant test for the fragile truce, with Israeli forces launching a series of deadly strikes across Gaza. This escalation followed an attack that killed two Israeli soldiers, which Israel attributed to Hamas, leading to an announcement about the suspension of aid deliveries.
Fortunately, US diplomatic pressure appears to have averted a complete derailment of the ceasefire, with Israeli crossings into Gaza reopening on Monday. However, it’s clear that mediators must remain actively involved to stabilize the agreement and address the critical issues surrounding Gaza’s future and Hamas’s role. Envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are reportedly back in the region, while Hamas negotiators are in talks with Egyptian mediators and Palestinian factions in Cairo.
Discussions are expected to focus on the second phase of President Trump’s peace plan, which includes deploying an international stabilization force in Gaza, the eventual withdrawal of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), and crucially, the disarmament of Hamas.
The recent violence has deeply affected both Palestinians and Israelis. Shadi Abu Obeid, a grieving father from Khan Younis, shared his pain with the BBC, recounting how his 14-year-old son Mohammed was killed along with two others in an Israeli strike on a tent in al-Mawasi. He expressed his regret for letting his son go out, feeling a false sense of security due to the ceasefire and its supposed international guarantees.
Local hospitals report at least 45 Palestinian casualties, with the IDF stating they targeted “dozens of Hamas terror targets.” The BBC has also learned that key Hamas figures were among those killed in a strike on a makeshift café, although other reports indicate civilian casualties, including children.
The ongoing situation highlights the deep-seated issues that the initial ceasefire agreement left unresolved, particularly concerning Hamas fighters in Israeli-controlled areas of Gaza. Commentators in Israel are expressing concerns about the “vague wording” of the deal, which has created significant loopholes. The IDF has issued warnings, and the establishment of clear rules regarding Hamas is seen as crucial to avoid further escalation.
The coming days will be critical as US envoys engage in further discussions, and Hamas continues its dialogue with mediators. The path to lasting peace in Gaza remains fraught with challenges, requiring persistent diplomatic efforts to overcome the significant obstacles ahead.
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