Ongoing Strife in Gaza: Challenges and Stakeholders’ Responses

U.S. President Donald Trump announced a “historic” deal for the Palestinian group Hamas to disarm and for Israeli forces to withdraw from Gaza. He presented this as a major peace advance. Yet, Israel remained hesitant. Some of its officials doubted Hamas and other militant groups in Gaza would truly disarm despite their diminished power.

The Board of Peace released the plan soon after Trump’s declaration, urging Israel to halt military activities in Gaza immediately. However, following this announcement, Israel launched more attacks in Gaza. On Sunday, these strikes resulted in at least 18 deaths according to medics in the region, dampening peace prospects. Israel stated its strikes aimed at Hamas and other militant groups throughout Gaza. The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, faces upcoming elections. Despite his promise of “total victory” over Hamas, he remains cautious.

Shalom Lipner, a senior fellow with the Atlantic Council, noted that Israelis still feel threatened by Hamas. They doubt international forces, proposed by the Board of Peace for Gaza, will protect Israel as effectively as the IDF. “Netanyahu is intensifying actions against Hamas in Gaza, recognizing potential limitations once the Trump plan is in place,” Lipner stated.

A ceasefire, mediated by the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, has been technically active in Gaza since October 2025. Yet, Israeli assaults have continued over the past 10 months. Health officials reported 1,250 people killed in Gaza since the ceasefire started, with over 4,000 more injured. Since the conflict began in October 2023, approximately 73,375 fatalities have occurred. This includes Israel’s response to Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023, which resulted in around 1,200 Israeli deaths and 251 hostages taken to Gaza.

Efforts toward further peace beyond the initial ceasefire face delays and complications, largely due to ongoing Israeli operations in Gaza. The Civil Defense spokesperson in Gaza, Mahmoud Basal, called these raids on Gaza unprecedented.

Over the weekend, the Israeli military reported killing a member of Palestinian group Islamic Jihad and a Hamas member in Deir al-Balah, as well as striking Hamas targets across the strip. The attacks included weapons storage areas near medical facilities.

Countries mediating the peace process urged Israel on Monday to cease its bombing campaign, reinforcing Israel’s international obligations and ceasefire commitments. “These violations intensify civilian suffering,” stated Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey in a joint message.

United Nations experts have accused Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, with South Africa bringing a case to the International Court of Justice. Israel refutes these claims. Gaza remains in a dire humanitarian crisis, with displacements, children in need, and limited basic supplies amid extreme weather conditions.

Nickolay Mladenov of the Board of Peace met with Netanyahu, urging Israel to halt strikes. The Board affirmed the meeting was “constructive and detailed”. According to the peace plan, IDF withdrawal to the Yellow Line in Gaza depends on Hamas disarming. Currently, Israel refuses such withdrawal, as stated by Israel Hayom. Meanwhile, Hamas insists on troop pullback before disarming.

Mladenov warned the weekend’s violence endangered efforts for Hamas disarmament. “Both parties” must adhere to prior agreements, he emphasized.

“Without a modicum of trust that both sides will honor their commitments, progress is unlikely,” noted Yossi Mekelberg, a senior fellow with Chatham House.