Where is the “everlasting peace” in the Middle East and Gaza between Israel and Hamas that President Donald Trump promised?
Israel on Tuesday launched airstrikes across the Gaza Strip in an apparent violation of its ceasefire with Hamas. Local health officials said at least 104 people, including 46 children and 20 women, were killed, and more than 250 others were injured. The Israeli military said it targeted “dozens of terror targets and terrorists” because Hamas violated the ceasefire deal, which Trump and the United States brokered and heralded as a permanent end to hostilities in the Middle East.
While this was the biggest attack on Gaza since the ceasefire was agreed to, critics have pointed out that this wasn’t the first time Israel or Hamas have violated the ceasefire. Trump announced the ceasefire deal on October 8, and it was signed five days later. Within days, both Israel and Hamas accused each other of violating the terms of the agreements.
Earlier this month, Gazan officials claimed Israel had violated the ceasefire at least 47 times. Israel is also accused of not rushing in enough aid for Palestinians, who have faced mass starvation due to Israel’s blockades of aid. Israel has alleged Hamas violated the truce by not handing over the remains of deceased hostages and killing several of its soldiers.
Despite all the apparent violations and peace remaining elusive, President Trump has touted the ceasefire several times over the last three weeks.
