U.S.-mediated Gaza Deal Gains Momentum as Violence Escalates at Sea and in the West Bank
As reports emerge that Israel and Hamas have agreed in principle to a U.S.-backed ceasefire framework, fresh hostilities and civilian casualties add urgency to stalled diplomatic efforts.
According to Anadolu Agency (AA), former U.S. President Donald Trump announced that both Israel and Hamas had signed off on the proposed deal, which would incorporate a pause in fighting, structured hostage exchanges, and expanded humanitarian access to Gaza. The announcement comes amid intense diplomatic activity involving Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S., though implementation details remain contested.
Yet tensions flare anew at sea. The Israeli navy attacked a Gaza-bound 9-ship flotilla, detaining all 145 activists on board, including 93 journalists, AA reported. Israel said the vessels were intercepted in line with its naval blockade. The ships were reportedly stopped unlawfully and were carrying $110,000 worth of medicines, respiratory equipment, ventilators, and nutritional supplies intended for critically needed hospitals in Gaza The latest convoy set sail after Israeli naval forces attacked and seized more than 40 boats last week, part of the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla, and detained more than 450 activists on board. Most of them have been deported.
Meanwhile, violence in the West Bank continues unabated. Over 150 Palestinian students and education staff have been killed by Israeli forces in the West Bank since 2023, with many deaths occurring during school-related activities or protests, Anadolu reported. Human rights groups warn this trend is eroding access to education and sowing fear among younger generations.
Since October 2023, Israeli bombardments have killed nearly 67,200 Palestinians in the enclave, most of them women and children, and rendered it uninhabitable. Negotiations to end the war, according to a 20-point plan unveiled by US President Donald Trump, are underway in Egypt.
