The death toll in Gaza continues to rise, sparking international concern and outrage. At least 11 Palestinians have fallen victim to Israeli attacks, with sources revealing a grim picture of ongoing violence despite the declared ceasefire. But here's where it gets controversial: while the world strives for peace, the conflict persists.
In the latest incidents, Israeli forces struck a refugee camp in northern Gaza, resulting in the tragic loss of five lives. The violence extended to the south of the Strip, where another five Palestinians were killed, according to hospital reports. The death toll includes Sami al-Dahdouh, a commander of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad's armed wing, who perished in an attack east of Gaza City.
Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qassem vehemently denounced the attacks, labeling them a 'new massacre' and a deliberate attempt to maintain a state of bloody conflict. He accused Israel of disregarding the ceasefire agreement and continuing its aggression, despite international efforts to establish peace.
The recent casualties add to a staggering count of over 600 Palestinians killed and more than 1,600 wounded since the US- and Qatar-mediated ceasefire between Israel and Hamas began on October 10, 2025. This ceasefire, part of US President Donald Trump's strategy to end the two-year war, has been violated by Israel at least 1,620 times, according to Gaza's Government Media Office. Both sides accuse each other of breaches, with Israel claiming the loss of four soldiers.
Amidst this turmoil, Trump announced the inaugural meeting of his 'Board of Peace' on Thursday in Washington, DC. The board, initially intended to end the Gaza war, now aims to resolve global conflicts, bypassing the UN. Trump boasts pledges of over $5 billion for Gaza's reconstruction and commitments of personnel for security. The US has requested $1 billion from countries wishing to join, with the UAE and potentially Kuwait already on board.
However, several US allies have declined to participate. Trump demands Hamas's demilitarization, while Hamas calls on the Board of Peace to hold Israel accountable for its breaches. And this is the part most people miss: will this board truly bring peace, or is it a controversial power play on the global stage?
