Board of Peace envoy meets with Netanyahu on Gaza disarmament deal, urges halt to strikes
PBS News Hour – Politics — 2026-08-03 15:03:00 — www.pbs.org
President Donald Trump announced a new agreement as part of a broader ceasefire deal in Gaza, calling for Israel to halt its military operations and for Hamas and its allies to cease all militant activity. The agreement, revealed late Thursday, also outlined in general terms the process for decommissioning weapons held by Hamas.
Trump’s Role in the Gaza Ceasefire Deal
Trump’s announcement positioned the United States as a key broker in the ongoing efforts to stabilize Gaza following years of conflict. The deal, which Trump presented as a step toward peace, required both sides to stop violence and begin a transition toward civilian governance in Gaza.
Ongoing Violence Despite Agreement
Despite the ceasefire agreement announced by Trump, Israeli officials expressed “serious security concerns” after the text was released. In response, Israel intensified its strikes in Gaza, resulting in 17 deaths overnight Saturday and into Sunday, according to local health officials. No airstrikes were reported on Monday.
Since the ceasefire agreement was reached in October, Israeli attacks have killed 1,250 people, according to the excerpt. The broader conflict, which began after Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel, has resulted in over 73,000 deaths in Gaza, based on figures from the Gaza Health Ministry. These numbers are considered generally reliable by the United Nations and other international organizations, though they do not distinguish between civilians and combatants.
Conclusion
Trump’s announcement of the ceasefire agreement reflects his administration’s ongoing involvement in Middle East peace negotiations. However, the continued violence and high casualty figures highlight the challenges and complexities of achieving lasting peace in the region, even after high-profile diplomatic efforts. The situation remains volatile, with both sides expressing deep concerns and the humanitarian toll continuing to rise.