Israeli planes and tanks continued to strike multiple areas across the Gaza Strip, demolishing residential buildings and causing widespread trauma among civilians, even as diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the conflict were set to commence in Egypt. Delegates from Hamas, Israel, the United States, and Qatar were scheduled to discuss the implementation of a comprehensive peace plan proposed by US President Donald Trump.
The talks in Cairo are expected to address unresolved issues, including the extent of Israel’s control in Gaza, the timetable for Israeli withdrawal, and whether Hamas would agree to disarm. While Hamas accepted key elements of Trump’s 20-point plan—such as ending the war, Israeli withdrawal, and the release of hostages—several points remained for further negotiation, according to Palestinian officials familiar with the discussions.
Despite ongoing violence, Israeli optimism over the plan was reflected in economic indicators, with the shekel reaching a three-year high against the dollar and Tel Aviv stocks hitting record levels. Domestically, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced pressure from both hardliners demanding continued military action and opposition voices supporting a ceasefire to allow Trump’s initiative to proceed.
Regional Arab and Muslim countries, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, Qatar, Jordan, Turkey, Indonesia, and Pakistan, welcomed Hamas’ initial acceptance of the peace plan and expressed commitment to supporting its implementation for an immediate end to the war.
On the ground in Gaza City, Israeli forces escalated attacks on key neighbourhoods, warning residents not to return to areas designated as combat zones. Drone strikes, demolition of explosive-laden vehicles, and rooftop bombardments destroyed dozens of homes, while local authorities reported multiple casualties.
Civilians in Gaza expressed desperation over the delayed implementation of the ceasefire, with shortages of food and fuel worsening due to Israel’s blockade. Under Trump’s proposal, all hostages were to be released within 72 hours of Israel formally accepting the plan, though logistical challenges—particularly in retrieving the bodies of deceased hostages amid rubble—could delay the process.
The conflict traces back to the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel, which killed approximately 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took 251 hostages. Israel’s subsequent military campaign has claimed over 67,000 lives in Gaza, predominantly among the civilian population, according to local health authorities.
