At least 13 people, including several children, were killed in the latest Israeli air strikes on Gaza, Palestinian officials confirmed. The attacks targeted Gaza City, Khan Younis and Deir al‑Balah, the latest in a series of operations that have escalated since the ceasefire in October 2023.
The Israeli Defence Forces say the raids were aimed at military operatives, claiming two Hamas commanders and several militants were neutralised. The Israeli Energy Minister, Eli Cohen, stated the partnership with Hamas could not be trusted to disarm, and underlined the need to exert full control of Gaza if the group refuses to hand over its weapons.
Hamas’s acceptance of the Board of Peace—an initiative proposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump—has opened a potential path to disarmament. The agreement, part of a 20‑point ceasefire framework announced last September, calls for an inventory and storage of heavy weapons, with oversight by the Board. Yet Israel remains skeptical, citing political and strategic concerns.
The war’s environmental toll is staggering. According to UN estimates, roughly 60 million tonnes of debris have been generated since October 2023, with Israeli bombardment adding more than 1,500 buildings destroyed so far. The resulting rubble threatens water supplies, soil integrity and public health in a region already battling food insecurity and limited infrastructure.
Residents in Deir al‑Balah turned over to the Board of Peace’s oversight assessed the damage of the latest strikes, highlighting the urgent need for reconstruction and sustainable redevelopment. The looming question remains: can disarmament and reconstruction be achieved without a lasting peace that also safeguards the environment and the livelihoods of millions?
This conflict demonstrates how war not only steals lives but also undercuts the fragile ecological balance. Sustainable solutions, backed by transparent governance and commitment to both human rights and environmental stewardship, are essential to transform Gaza’s future from a battleground into a resilient community.
