Gaza War at Two Years: Fragile Peace Talks

Two years after Oct. 7, Gaza remains in a deep humanitarian crisis marked by mass displacement and widespread civilian suffering, with independent counts putting Palestinian deaths since Oct. 7 at more than 60,000. Despite ongoing U.S.-brokered peace talks centered on President Trump’s plan proposing a temporary pause in Israeli bombing in exchange for hostage releases and Hamas disarmament, fighting and Israeli airstrikes persist in parts of Gaza. The proposed deal — aiming to free remaining hostages, secure Israeli withdrawals from much territory, release Palestinian prisoners, expand humanitarian access and shelve population-relocation plans — is being negotiated but remains fragile, with U.S. officials calling talks the closest to a breakthrough while warning of significant technical and political hurdles. Humanitarian operations have been severely affected, including repeated attacks on medical personnel and the killing of World Central Kitchen workers, complicating relief efforts. Gazans say they are exhausted and want the bloodshed to stop even if terms are imperfect, while critics warn the plan could limit Palestinian control and analysts sharply dispute responsibility for civilian suffering, with some characterizing Hamas’s actions as genocidal.