Hamas has urged the United States’ “Board of Peace,” initiated by President Donald Trump, to intervene and put an end to what it describes as “ongoing violations” of the peace agreement concerning Gaza, mediated by the U.S. last October. The first official assembly of this controversial board is set to take place on Thursday in Washington, D.C., while the beleaguered Palestinian community in Gaza awaits the implementation of the next stage of the peace terms.
Spokesperson Hazem Qassem emphasized the dire situation in Gaza, claiming that the conflict has devolved into an ongoing war characterized by genocide, resulting in widespread killing, displacement, and deprivation. His statements were made in a recent video message. According to the Health Ministry, since the ceasefire agreement commenced on October 10, 2025, over 600 Palestinians have lost their lives due to actions by Israeli military forces in Gaza, with an additional 1,600 reported injuries stemming from shelling, gunfire, and aerial attacks.
Qassem further called on Trump’s board to expedite the entry of a team of technocrats designated to lead the reconstruction efforts in war-torn Gaza, asserting that such actions are essential to alleviate the suffering of the local population. He also called for a complete lifting of the blockade on Gaza and the opening of border crossings, criticizing the current minimal openings as insufficient and warning that Israel should not use the board as a pretext to continue hostilities while hindering reconstruction efforts.
Recent events in Gaza have seen further violence, including Israeli artillery strikes targeting the Tuffah neighborhood in Gaza City and gunfire from tanks in Khan Younis. No immediate casualties were reported from these incidents. Additionally, an Israeli drone strike injured civilians in al-Maghraqa, while Israeli naval forces detained two fishermen off the coast, and structural demolitions continue in various residential areas across the territory.
Humanitarian access to Gaza remains heavily restricted, with Israel blocking essential aid as well as preventing the exit of thousands of sick individuals seeking medical treatment abroad. According to UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, less than 60 percent of critical aid shipments from Egypt have been permitted into Gaza, with ongoing logistical challenges also ranking high among the issues faced by humanitarian workers attempting to coordinate with Israeli authorities.
Trump’s “Board of Peace,” which was announced during the World Economic Forum in Davos in January, has reportedly garnered signatures from at least 19 nations agreeing to its founding charter. Initially intended to supervise the Gaza ceasefire and facilitate reconstruction efforts, the board’s role has expanded, leading to concerns that it may serve as a competitor to the United Nations in addressing various global conflicts.
