In the Latest News from the Middle East, Palestinians in Gaza are reacting with doubt and fear after former US President Donald Trump announced that the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal has begun. On the ground, however, many say the reality does not match the announcement. Israeli attacks have continued, and the humanitarian crisis is still getting worse.
Despite international statements about peace, Gaza residents say bombs, drones, and gunfire have not stopped. For them, the ceasefire feels more like words than action. This situation remains a major focus of Breaking News and Daily news highlights worldwide.
Continued Israeli Attacks Raise Questions
Israeli forces have carried out deadly strikes across Gaza even after the United States confirmed progress toward phase two of the ceasefire agreement. According to health officials, at least 451 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire started in October.
In the past 24 hours alone, Israeli air strikes hit several homes, including areas that were previously declared “safe zones.” At least 10 people were killed, and many others were injured. Residents report hearing drones all night, causing panic and sleeplessness.
People in Gaza say the continued violence makes it hard to believe that a real ceasefire is in place.
Heavy Human Cost of the War
The overall human toll of the conflict remains devastating:
- More than 71,441 Palestinians killed in Gaza since October 2023
- Over 171,329 wounded
- 1,139 people killed in Israel during the October 7, 2023 attacks
- Around 200 people taken captive
In the occupied West Bank, violence has also continued. More than 1,106 Palestinians have been killed, nearly 21,000 arrested, and thousands remain in Israeli jails, many without formal charges.
These figures show why the conflict remains one of the most urgent global crises in today’s Breaking News.
Trump Announces Gaza “Board of Peace”
Donald Trump announced that he will lead a new body called the “Gaza Board of Peace”, which is supposed to oversee Gaza’s post-war transition. According to Trump, the board will work with a 15-member Palestinian technocratic committee to manage daily governance.
Ali Shaath, a former Palestinian Authority official, has been named to lead the committee. Trump said the plan aims to bring stability with support from Egypt, Turkey, and Qatar, and to reach a demilitarisation deal with Hamas.
However, many Palestinians remain unsure. “People want schools, hospitals, homes, and freedom of movement,” said a journalist in Gaza City. “If this board cannot deliver that, then it has no value.”
Aid Shortages and Humanitarian Collapse
One of the biggest frustrations in Gaza is the lack of humanitarian aid. The United Nations says more than 60 million tonnes of rubble now cover Gaza, and it could take over seven years to clear.
Families are living in tents or among destroyed buildings during harsh winter conditions. There are severe shortages of:
- Shelter and housing
- Clean water and electricity
- Medical services
- Schools and basic education
Residents say Israeli restrictions on aid entry remain a major problem. Many describe the ceasefire as “a ceasefire in name only.”
UN and Peacekeepers Under Threat
Tensions are also rising beyond Gaza. In southern Lebanon, the UN peacekeeping force UNIFIL reported that an Israeli drone dropped an explosive device near its patrol.
Although no peacekeepers were injured, the UN warned that such actions put both civilians and UN staff at serious risk. The UN Security Council has extended UNIFIL’s mandate until the end of 2026, with plans for a gradual withdrawal in 2027.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has also condemned Israel’s temporary closure of a UNRWA health centre in East Jerusalem, calling it unlawful and dangerous for Palestinian refugees who depend on it for medical care.
Violence Continues in Gaza and West Bank
Reports from Gaza City say Israeli air strikes destroyed homes in Deir el-Balah and the Nuseirat refugee camp. Drones and naval ships have increased activity along the coast, spreading fear among displaced families.
In the occupied West Bank, Israeli forces shot and wounded Palestinians near Beita, south of Nablus. Settler attacks were also reported in Masafer Yatta, where an elderly man was injured and a school was stormed.
These incidents continue to dominate Daily news highlights, showing how instability has spread across Palestinian territories.
Growing Doubt Over Ceasefire Future
Many Gazans say they were hopeful that phase two of the ceasefire would bring real change—more aid, open crossings, and an end to air strikes. Instead, they are witnessing more destruction.
As one resident said, “We don’t care who governs Gaza right now. We care about survival.”
With attacks ongoing and humanitarian needs unmet, questions remain about whether the ceasefire can truly hold. For now, Gaza remains trapped between diplomacy and devastation, as the world watches closely through Latest News and Breaking News updates.
