After deadly day, Gazans say Trump's touting of plan jars with grim reality

Palestinians in Gaza have expressed frustration with U.S. President Donald Trump's rhetoric regarding a plan to disarm Hamas and end the conflict, as Israeli forces continue to carry out deadly attacks. On Monday, August 3, 2023, Israel killed 18 people, marking one of the deadliest days since the ceasefire last year. Trump announced on Thursday that the Gaza peace plan, agreed upon in October, would see Hamas disarm and Israel withdraw its forces in stages.

However, complications have arisen as Israel insists on halting attacks before implementing the disarmament part of the agreement, while Hamas demands an immediate Israeli ceasefire before disarming. On the ground in Gaza, the situation remains dire; Palestinians are living in makeshift tents or damaged buildings, with Israeli troops occupying two-thirds of the territory.

Last year's ceasefire allowed Israel to retain control over 53% of Gaza, but Israel has since expanded its control, reaching 60-70% under the leadership of Defense Minister Israel Katz. The recent expansion of the Israeli-held zone has forced people to flee from several areas, including Gaza City, Deir Al-Balah, and Khan Younis.

The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that 30 families were displaced from an area near the Israeli-held yellow line in eastern Gaza City. Hamas has called for Israel to withdraw its forces from the areas it has seized since the 2020 ceasefire, rejecting the term 'disarmament' but agreeing to hand over weapons for storage under a U.S.-backed Palestinian administration once Israel halts operations and withdraws its forces.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office expressed concerns to Washington about the disarmament plan, emphasizing the importance of complete and genuine Hamas disarming before any progress can be made. Since the Trump-backed Gaza peace plan was agreed upon in October, at least 1,230 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes, with 4 Israeli soldiers also killed during the same period.