Donald Trump’s proposed Board of Peace for Gaza is drawing global attention — and controversy — with a $1 billion price tag for permanent membership. Here’s how it works, who’s invited, and why countries like India are cautious.
From dazzling fireworks in Sydney, Paris, and Dubai to grief in Gaza and cautious hope in Ukraine and Syria, the world ushered in 2026 with celebration, reflection, and renewed calls for peace after a turbulent year.
Israel’s latest strikes in Gaza killed two people, reigniting tensions just hours after it claimed to resume a fragile ceasefire. The attacks, following the death of an Israeli soldier, have drawn UN condemnation and renewed calls to preserve the truce.
The fragile US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came under severe strain as Israeli airstrikes hit Rafah following reported Hamas attacks on Israeli troops. Both sides accused each other of breaching the truce, with Gaza authorities citing 47 Israeli violations and dozens of deaths.
U.S. President Donald Trump has warned Hamas to stop the killings in Gaza or face consequences, saying, “We will have no choice but to go in and kill them.” His remarks mark a sharp reversal just days after a ceasefire deal with Israel.
Hamas has executed more than 50 rivals following the Gaza ceasefire with Israel, heightening fears of renewed internal violence and power struggles as the group reasserts control over the war-torn enclave.
Hamas has returned the bodies of four more Israeli hostages, as Israel restricts Gaza aid and warns of violations to the Trump-brokered ceasefire. Growing anger among hostage families and fears of renewed conflict test the fragile truce.
Hamas has refused to sign the Gaza peace deal under Trump’s Middle East peace plan 2025, calling proposals to leave Gaza and disarm “absurd.” The move casts doubt on the long-awaited ceasefire, even as Israel begins troop withdrawals and hostage exchanges under the deal’s first phase.
At least 70 Palestinians were killed as Israel pounded Gaza despite Donald Trump’s plea to halt bombings under his 20-point peace plan. The strikes intensified as Hamas accepted parts of the proposal, while negotiations are set to begin in Cairo.
Israel intercepted all 42 boats of the Global Sumud Flotilla carrying aid and activists to Gaza, sparking international condemnation, deportations, protests, and allegations of Hamas involvement.