Intensified Conflict in Gaza Amidst New US peace Effort

The gaza Strip has witnessed a sharp increase in violence, resulting in the deaths of at least 11 Palestinians as Israeli military operations escalated despite a ceasefire brokered by the United States. This surge coincides with the declaration of a new US-lead Board of Peace aimed at fostering reconstruction and stability within the region.

Casualty Surge and Ceasefire Violations

fatal incidents have unfolded across various parts of Gaza, including northern Jabalia refugee camp where families seeking refuge under tents were struck, leading to five fatalities. In southern Khan Younis, another five Palestinians lost their lives during separate Israeli strikes.

A important development occurred with the targeted killing of Sami al-Dahdouh, a senior commander linked to Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), near Gaza City’s Tal al-Hawa neighborhood. This operation is part of an ongoing series targeting militant leaders amid heightened hostilities.

“These assaults signify a perilous escalation and blatant disregard for peace efforts,” declared Hazem qassem, spokesperson for Hamas. He condemned these actions as attempts to impose “a violent reality” on Gazan civilians while undermining all efforts toward maintaining calm since the ceasefire took affect on October 10.

Official data from Gaza authorities indicate that over 620 Palestinians have been killed and more than 1,700 injured since this ceasefire began nearly four months ago. The Government Media Office reports that Israel has breached truce terms over 1,650 times between mid-October 2025 and early february 2026 alone.

Conversely, Israel accuses Hamas of multiple violations as well; it states that four Israeli soldiers have died due to unfriendly activities originating from Gaza during this period.

Civilian Infrastructure Under Strain

the humanitarian crisis extends beyond casualties: critical facilities like Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis face operational disruptions caused by security threats from armed factions nearby. These interruptions worsen already fragile conditions for patients requiring urgent medical attention amid ongoing conflict pressures.

The Board of Peace: Goals and Obstacles ahead

The newly announced Board of Peace held its inaugural meeting recently in Washington D.C., marking an ambitious step toward rebuilding devastated areas such as Gaza with pledged funding surpassing $5 billion.

• This initiative plans to deploy thousands through an International Stabilization Force working alongside local police units tasked with securing communities affected by conflict throughout Gaza.
• The United States has invited other countries to contribute $1 billion each as membership fees; early indications suggest nations like Saudi Arabia may join soon while others remain undecided or undisclosed publicly.
• Beyond addressing Israel-Gaza tensions specifically, this effort reflects broader US ambitions for global conflict resolution outside customary UN mechanisms-a strategy eliciting mixed responses among international partners who remain cautious or reluctant participants so far.

President trump stressed that sustainable peace hinges on “Complete and Immediate Demilitarization” commitments from Hamas before meaningful progress can be made regarding reconstruction or stabilization efforts. meanwhile, Hamas representatives call for intensified international pressure focused squarely on halting Israeli breaches against agreed ceasefire terms without delay or distortion if genuine peace is sought moving forward.