The death toll in Gaza continues to rise as Israeli military raids persist across the besieged enclave, despite a ceasefire that took effect in October last year. According to Palestinian health authorities, at least 463 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire, highlighting ongoing instability and violence in the region.
Since the beginning of Israel’s military campaign in October 2023, the total number of Palestinians killed in Gaza has reached at least 71,455, with 171,347 people wounded. On the Israeli side, 1,139 people were killed during the October 7, 2023 attacks, and approximately 200 individuals were taken captive.
Trump Announces ‘Board of Peace’ for Gaza War
In a major political development, US President Donald Trump has announced the formation of a so-called “Board of Peace”, a body tasked with overseeing a 20-point plan aimed at ending Israel’s war on Gaza.
The White House confirmed that former British Prime Minister Tony Blair has been appointed as a founding executive member of the board. The panel also includes:
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Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law
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Marco Rubio, US Secretary of State
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Steve Witkoff, US Special Envoy to the Middle East
The initiative has sparked mixed reactions internationally, with critics questioning the board’s neutrality and effectiveness.
Escalation in the West Bank
Meanwhile, violence has intensified in the occupied West Bank, where Israeli forces shot and killed a Palestinian child during a military raid. The incident comes amid a sharp increase in Israeli army operations and settler violence across Palestinian towns and villages.
EU Urges Israel to Halt Settlement Expansion
The European Union has called on Israel to immediately halt its E1 settlement project, warning that it would further undermine the possibility of a two-state solution. The project would link illegal settlements in occupied East Jerusalem with the Maale Adumim settlement bloc in the occupied West Bank.
Post-War Gaza Governance Efforts Begin
In a parallel diplomatic move, a Palestinian committee designated to govern post-war Gaza has officially begun its work in Cairo, raising cautious hopes for future administrative stability once hostilities end.
Conclusion
As Israeli raids continue and political initiatives emerge on the international stage, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire. With thousands dead and wounded, and tensions spreading across the West Bank, the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether diplomacy can succeed where violence has failed. read more