War in Gaza
War in Gaza: Israel’s war in Gaza has lasted for more than one thousand days. The fighting has continued despite a ceasefire brokered by the United States last October. The conflict has caused widespread destruction and a severe humanitarian crisis.
Human Cost
Reports say more than 73,000 Palestinians have died, including over 21,000 children. Thousands of people are still missing. About 80 percent of Gaza lies in ruins. The war has destroyed homes, schools, hospitals, and public services. Reports also say Israeli forces have killed more than 200 journalists. Israel has expanded its military control in Gaza despite repeated UN warnings that this puts more civilians at risk.
Humanitarian Crisis
The humanitarian crisis remains severe. Israeli strikes have continued despite the ceasefire. Meanwhile, the world’s attention has shifted to the conflict between the United States and Iran. As a result, Gaza has received less international attention. The peace plan has also stalled.
Hamas now wants to bring Gaza back into the global spotlight. Last week, it announced that it would hand over Gaza’s administration to a committee of Palestinian technocrats. Hamas said this step would remove Israel’s stated reasons for continuing military operations and help restart the peace process.
Peace Plan
The National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) was created in January under President Donald Trump’s peace plan. The committee was supposed to manage Gaza’s civilian affairs during the second phase of the plan. This phase also called for a gradual Israeli withdrawal, Hamas’s disarmament, and Gaza’s demilitarisation. The first phase focused on exchanging Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners.
Implementation Delays
However, none of these steps has taken place. The NCAG has not received funding or resources. It remains in Cairo because Israel has not allowed it to enter Gaza. The planned international stabilisation force has also not deployed. The Board of Peace (BoP) has made little progress because of legal, political, and financial problems.
Board Decisions
The Board recently announced that UNRWA would have no role in Gaza’s future administration. Palestinian leaders strongly criticised this decision. They argued that it ignores the refugee issue. The Board also proposed a closed humanitarian zone in southern Gaza for selected Palestinians. Many experts believe this plan could violate international humanitarian law and force people from their homes.
Disarmament Dispute
Hamas says it is ready to leave the government. However, it has not agreed to surrender its weapons. The group says it will only consider disarmament after Israel withdraws from Gaza and ends its occupation. Hamas also insists that a Palestinian civilian authority must first take control of Gaza.
Israel rejected Hamas’s announcement. It described the move as an attempt to avoid disarmament. The Board of Peace responded by saying it would judge Hamas by its actions, not its promises. It also said that the new civilian administration should control all weapons in Gaza.
Israeli Control
Disarmament remains difficult because Israel still controls a large part of Gaza. Reports say Israel now occupies about 60 percent of the territory. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly ordered the military to expand its control to around 70 percent. Defence Minister Israel Katz has also said Israeli forces will remain in security zones for an unlimited period.
Peace Deadlock
Hamas’s announcement may be symbolic, but Israel could easily test it. It could allow the 13-member technocratic committee, led by Ali Shaath, to enter Gaza and begin governing the territory. Representatives from Hamas, other Palestinian groups, the Board of Peace, Qatar, and Türkiye have continued talks in Cairo. However, they have not reached an agreement. Hamas and Israel still disagree over the second phase of the peace plan.
US Focus
The future of the peace process largely depends on the United States. At present, the Trump administration is focusing on rising tensions with Iran. Recent military strikes between the two countries have shifted Washington’s attention away from Gaza. Although both sides have discussed further negotiations, disputes over oil sanctions and the Strait of Hormuz continue to increase tensions.
US Pressure
Another key question is whether the United States will pressure Israel to honour its commitments under the peace plan. So far, Washington has repeatedly called on Hamas to disarm. However, it has said little about Israeli military operations, restrictions on humanitarian aid, or the planned withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. It has also remained largely silent on Israeli actions in the West Bank.
Political Challenges
Domestic politics in Israel also affect the peace process. Prime Minister Netanyahu faces elections while public support for his government has declined. These political pressures reduce his willingness to make major compromises. As a result, progress on the Gaza peace plan remains slow.
Peace remains uncertain. Many Palestinians expected the peace plan to end the conflict. Instead, they continue to face destruction, displacement, and suffering.
Published in Dawn, 13th July 2026
