Breaking news: Gaza death toll continues to rise as Israeli airstrikes intensify across the enclave, leaving dozens more civilians dead and worsening an already severe humanitarian crisis, while U.S. President Donald Trump announces the formation of new “Boards of Peace,” aiming to oversee ceasefire efforts, post-war reconstruction, and renewed diplomatic negotiations

Gaza Death Toll Rises as Israeli Raids Intensify, Trump Announces ‘Boards of Peace’ Amid Mounting International Pressure
The death toll in Gaza continued to rise on Wednesday as Israeli airstrikes and ground operations intensified across several parts of the territory, deepening a humanitarian crisis that has already pushed hospitals, aid agencies, and civilian infrastructure to the brink of collapse.

As rescue teams searched through rubble for survivors, U.S. President Donald Trump announced the creation of new “Boards of Peace,” an initiative he says is aimed at steering ceasefire efforts and post-war reconstruction amid growing global concern.
According to Palestinian health authorities, dozens of civilians were killed in the latest wave of Israeli raids, including women and children, with hundreds more wounded. Residential neighborhoods in Gaza City, Khan Younis, and parts of central Gaza were among the areas hit, witnesses said. Many families fled under fire, carrying what little they could salvage as explosions echoed through densely populated districts.

Israel’s military said the strikes targeted Hamas command centers, weapons depots, and militant operatives, insisting that efforts were made to minimize civilian harm. Israeli officials have repeatedly accused Hamas of operating within civilian areas, using homes, schools, and medical facilities as cover — claims Hamas denies. Despite these assertions, images of destroyed apartment blocks and overcrowded hospitals have fueled international outrage.

Medical workers in Gaza described scenes of chaos, with emergency rooms overwhelmed and supplies running dangerously low. “We are treating patients on the floor,” said one doctor at a major Gaza hospital. “There are not enough beds, not enough medicine, and not enough time. Every hour, more wounded arrive.”

Humanitarian organizations warned that the situation is deteriorating rapidly. The United Nations said food insecurity has reached catastrophic levels, clean water is scarce, and fuel shortages threaten to shut down the few remaining functioning hospitals. Aid convoys remain limited by border restrictions and ongoing hostilities, leaving many civilians trapped with little access to basic necessities.
Amid the escalating violence, President Trump announced the formation of what he called “Boards of Peace,” a U.S.-backed initiative designed to oversee ceasefire compliance, humanitarian access, and long-term reconstruction planning in Gaza. Speaking at a White House briefing, Trump said the boards would include international diplomats, regional stakeholders, and security experts.

“We need a structure that brings accountability, stability, and real peace — not endless talk,” Trump said. “These Boards of Peace will focus on stopping the killing, rebuilding Gaza, and ensuring that terror groups do not regain control.”

The announcement was met with mixed reactions. Supporters praised the move as a long-overdue attempt to impose structure on fragile ceasefire discussions, while critics questioned whether the initiative had sufficient international backing or clarity. Palestinian officials expressed skepticism, saying any peace framework must include a permanent ceasefire, accountability for civilian deaths, and a clear political path forward.
Hamas rejected the proposal outright, accusing Washington of siding with Israel and ignoring Palestinian suffering. “Any plan that does not end aggression and occupation is meaningless,” the group said in a statement.

International reaction was swift. Several European governments called for an immediate halt to hostilities and urged Israel to show restraint. Arab nations welcomed efforts toward peace but stressed that humanitarian access must be expanded without delay. China and Russia echoed calls for a ceasefire, warning that continued escalation risks destabilizing the wider region.

Meanwhile, protests erupted in cities across the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and North America, with demonstrators demanding an end to Israeli military operations and greater protection for civilians. In Israel, families of hostages held in Gaza also staged rallies, urging their government to prioritize negotiations that could secure the captives’ release.

Analysts say Trump’s “Boards of Peace” reflect mounting pressure on Washington to take a more active role as the conflict drags on. However, they caution that previous diplomatic efforts have repeatedly collapsed due to deep mistrust between the parties and unresolved core issues, including security, governance, and Palestinian statehood.

For civilians in Gaza, diplomacy feels distant compared to the daily struggle for survival. “We don’t need new boards or new speeches,” said a displaced resident sheltering in a school building. “We need the bombing to stop. We need food, water, and safety.”

As Israeli raids continue and the death toll climbs, the coming days may determine whether Trump’s initiative can gain traction or becomes another entry in the long list of failed peace efforts. Until then, Gaza remains caught between relentless violence and uncertain promises of peace.