Gaza Ceasefire Violations Continue as Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ Looms
Israeli forces have killed at least 10 Palestinians in air strikes across the Gaza Strip late on Saturday and into Sunday, according to the health ministry Middle East Eye. The strikes represent a continuation of violence despite a ceasefire agreement brokered in October.
Recent Violence and Rising Death Toll
The recent deaths bring the total number of Palestinians killed since the ceasefire began on October 11th to 603, with an additional 1,607 wounded Al Jazeera. On Monday, at least one Palestinian was killed in Israeli shelling of the Shujaiya neighbourhood, east of Gaza City.
Specifically, on Sunday, at least four Palestinians were killed in a strike targeting a tent encampment housing displaced families, while another five were killed in Khan Younis The Independent.
Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ and Reconstruction Pledges
The continued attacks come as US President Donald Trump prepares to convene the inaugural meeting of his ‘Board of Peace’ on Thursday. Trump announced on Sunday that members of the foreign-led panel, overseeing Gaza’s administration and reconstruction, are set to unveil $5 billion in reconstruction pledges at the meeting in Washington Middle East Eye.
“The Board of Peace will prove to be the most consequential International Body in History, and it is my honor to serve as its Chairman,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.
Indonesia’s Commitment to Stabilisation Force
Indonesia has pledged up to 8,000 troops for a potential deployment to Gaza as part of an International Stabilisation Force, becoming the first state to firmly commit military units to Trump’s peace force BBC News. The pledge is expected to be fully ready by the end of June.
Hesitancy and Concerns Regarding the Stabilisation Force
Several states have expressed hesitancy in committing forces to Gaza, citing uncertainty about the remit of the stabilisation force. Some US allies, including Egypt, maintain that Hamas cannot be forcibly disarmed, despite US and Israeli threats of violence BBC News.
Israeli Military Stance
Israeli army chief Eyal Zamir has warned that Israel is “not giving up” on “completely demilitarise Gaza and disarm Hamas of all its weapons” Middle East Eye. He stated the military is “prepared to move from defence to offence.”
Israel, a member of Trump’s Peace Board, continues to threaten escalation and maintains direct military control over more than 50 percent of the Palestinian enclave.
Analyst Warnings
Analysts have cautioned that Israel’s continued military presence within Gaza could lead to further Palestinian deaths through intermittent strikes, potentially resulting in a prolonged conflict with no clear resolution Middle East Eye.