Hopes for peace in Gaza are getting smaller. Israeli military actions continue in the area. This is happening at the same time the United States announced a new plan for a ceasefire. However, many Palestinians are not optimistic. They worry that any ceasefire will not improve their difficult lives or stop the violence.
On Thursday, Israeli airstrikes killed at least ten Palestinians. In Deir el-Balah, six people died when two buildings were bombed. This included a 16-year-old boy. Other attacks also caused deaths. One person was shot dead. Another died in an attack on a police post. An Israeli airstrike on a family home killed two people. These attacks show the sad reality for people in Gaza. Many civilians have died since the fighting began.
These attacks happen as the United States talks about the second part of a ceasefire plan. This plan aims to stop fighting with Hamas. However, what "phase two" means is not clear. Israel says it will decide the details itself. This makes Palestinians suspicious. They think Israel wants to control any agreement. Al Jazeera reported that Israel wants to define phase two "on its terms."
Hamas strongly condemned the attacks on a family home. They said these actions show Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu does not care about a ceasefire. Israel said one person killed was a Hamas commander. They said this justifies their operation. This creates a difficult situation. It seems Israel is focused on its own goals, not peace talks.
The ongoing fighting has caused many deaths. At least 451 Palestinians have been killed since ceasefire measures started. This includes over 100 children. For many Palestinians, a change in ceasefire talks is not enough. They want the bombing to stop. They also need aid to enter Gaza freely. These are important for their lives to get better. Israel told people to leave half of Gaza. Soldiers are still in the area. This suggests Israel is still in control.
The US plan for "phase two" includes a Palestinian government. An international group would supervise it. This could lead to better government. However, people in Gaza are doubtful. The continued Israeli military actions and Israel's plan to decide the ceasefire details make hope difficult. The threat of more fighting remains. This makes lasting peace in Gaza unlikely.