War in Gaza

Israeli military operations in Gaza intensified with airstrikes killing four elite Hamas fighters in Khan Younis and Jabalia refugee camps. Additional Palestinian casualties occurred near the 'yellow line' border area due to gunfire and shelling. The death toll since the October 2023 war began has surpassed 73,000. Hamas condemned the Peace Council for aligning with Israeli narratives, particularly regarding the use of incendiary kites. The UN's Peace Council warned of a 'point of no return' if the Gaza ceasefire collapses, emphasizing the dire humanitarian situation and the risk of renewed large-scale conflict.

Israel has warned Hamas of intensified airstrikes on Gaza and plans to order civilian evacuations in multiple areas if the launching of drones and balloons from Gaza into Israel does not cease immediately. Recent Israeli strikes killed nine Palestinians, including a Hamas military cell leader, despite a ceasefire declared in October 2025. The ongoing attacks have resulted in significant casualties and heightened tensions, with both sides accusing each other of violating the ceasefire agreement.

Israeli military operations in Gaza escalated with airstrikes targeting Hamas-affiliated police and militants, resulting in at least 16 deaths including nine police officers and seven militants. The strikes hit a police center in central Gaza and other locations, causing civilian casualties amid densely populated areas with displaced persons. Hamas condemned the attacks as deliberate attempts to undermine ceasefire efforts, while Israel stated the operations aimed to eliminate immediate threats and retaliate for the October 7 attacks. The violence continues despite ongoing mediation efforts to establish a truce.

An Israeli airstrike targeted a Hamas-run police center in Gaza City, killing seven Palestinians and injuring over 22, including critically wounded individuals requiring urgent surgery. The attack caused significant destruction to the police building and surrounding structures. Hamas condemned the strike as a severe escalation and accused the international peace council of failing to enforce ceasefire agreements. Medical sources confirmed the arrival of casualties at Gaza's Al-Shifa Hospital, with some victims arriving in critical condition.

Hamas leadership, including Khalil al-Hayya, conveyed to U.S. envoy Jared Kushner their intention to engage in political and social activities following the implementation of the 15-point roadmap. The movement emphasized its pursuit of a clear political solution for Palestinian self-determination, aligning with elements of the U.S. peace plan. This development was discussed during a positive meeting in Cairo involving Hamas leaders, Kushner, and other international representatives.

Hamas has reiterated its readiness to implement the Gaza agreement, which includes disarmament, conditional on Israel's adherence to its commitments. The group urges the U.S. administration to pressure Israel to fulfill the first phase of the ceasefire deal, including halting attacks, withdrawing to designated lines, and allowing sufficient aid into Gaza. Hamas also calls for the swift deployment of the National Committee to manage Gaza and initiate reconstruction efforts. Despite a recent reduction in Israeli airstrikes, violations continue, causing casualties among Palestinians.

Eight Arab and Islamic countries, including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Egypt, strongly condemned ongoing Israeli violations in Gaza, highlighting attacks on civilian infrastructure and health facilities as serious breaches of international law. They warned that continued escalation threatens political efforts and worsens the humanitarian crisis. Meanwhile, Hamas negotiators reached an agreement with mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey to advance to the second phase of a ceasefire deal. Intensive efforts by mediators and the US aim to implement a 14-day truce, though challenges remain from Israel and Palestinian factions.

Hamas has voiced discomfort with the Peace Council's recent statements regarding the disarmament of the group and Israel's withdrawal from Gaza. The council, led by former U.S. President Donald Trump, outlined a phased disarmament and Israeli withdrawal plan, which Israel insists will only begin after full disarmament is verified. Hamas criticized the council for focusing solely on disarmament without addressing Israeli commitments or humanitarian issues. The group awaits a clear response on the implementation of the ceasefire agreement and accuses Israel of delaying the peace plan.

Four Palestinians were killed in renewed Israeli airstrikes across various locations in the Gaza Strip, including Khan Younis, Sheikh Radwan, and Deir al-Balah. Several civilians were injured, some critically, and significant damage was reported to homes and agricultural land. An Israeli drone strike targeted a home near the UNRWA clinic in Maghazi camp. Meanwhile, preparations are underway for a quadrilateral meeting involving Egypt, Qatar, the US, and Turkey to discuss the situation, as tensions and military actions continue to escalate.

New understandings reached in Cairo aim to advance the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, involving Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, Hamas, and Palestinian factions. The plan includes disarmament under a national committee and gradual Israeli withdrawal. However, Israel links withdrawal to complete disarmament and shows reservations, while the Palestinian Islamic Jihad also expresses concerns. The agreement's implementation depends heavily on U.S. pressure on Israel. Preparations by the national committee to manage Gaza's administration and security are underway, with a key meeting planned in Cairo to reinforce commitments.

Rare progress has been made in ceasefire negotiations between Hamas leaders and mediators in Cairo, aiming to implement a U.S.-brokered peace plan for Gaza. Despite ongoing Israeli airstrikes that killed at least six Palestinians, including children, talks focus on disarming Hamas and transferring civil authority to a U.S.-backed Palestinian committee. Hamas has shown willingness to store heavy weapons under Palestinian supervision but has not agreed to full disarmament. The outcome depends on Israel's response and the feasibility of a broader agreement.

A Hamas delegation arrived in Cairo to advance negotiations on the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. The group presented new formulations addressing two sensitive issues: the future of faction weapons and the status of Hamas employees in Gaza. Hamas agreed to include the term "infrastructure" regarding weapons, previously rejected, and proposed forming a legal committee to protect employee rights. The delegation expressed readiness to accept mediator-led agreements, while ongoing talks involve Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey amid Israeli military escalations and international efforts to stabilize Gaza.

The Israeli Security Cabinet has approved allowing a proposed international security force to enter parts of Gaza not under Israeli control. This move is part of a U.S.-backed plan introduced in October aimed at stabilizing the region. Despite a ceasefire ending large-scale hostilities, Israeli attacks continue, with militants in Gaza reportedly killing four Israeli soldiers since the ceasefire. Israel currently controls about 64% of Gaza, where most of the two million residents live in difficult conditions amid ongoing displacement and destruction.

An Israeli airstrike on Sunday killed Wael Mousa Al-Ladawi, the head of Hamas' internal security in central Gaza, along with his companion Ramez Tawfiq Abu Zureiq. The strike occurred in Deir al-Balah city. Israel stated it targeted a Hamas operative but provided no further details. This attack is part of ongoing Israeli operations against Hamas security personnel in Gaza, which Hamas condemns as violations of the October ceasefire agreement. Despite the ceasefire, Israeli strikes and Gaza attacks continue amid deteriorating humanitarian conditions.

Nikolay Mladenov, the UN's special coordinator for Gaza, has intensified efforts to deploy the newly formed International Stabilization Force in Gaza as part of a US-led ceasefire plan. Recent meetings with military officials from Morocco and Kosovo signal preparations for their deployment, focusing on areas near Rafah. However, Israeli political approval for the force's entry remains pending, contingent on Hamas meeting disarmament conditions. Meanwhile, behind-the-scenes negotiations show cautious progress, though Hamas and Palestinian factions report no significant developments.