The fragile US-brokered ceasefire in Gaza is facing its toughest test yet. Overnight, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed a targeted airstrike in southern Rafah, eliminating three individuals described as "terrorists" who emerged from an underground tunnel near troop positions. While the search continues for five others, the strike raises urgent questions about the stability of the truce that has been in place since October 2025. This escalation comes at a pivotal moment as the second phase of US President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace plan kicks off. With the newly formed "National Committee for the Administration of Gaza" and the US-led "Board of Peace" attempting to manage civilian affairs and restore public services, the path to demilitarization remains fraught with violations.

U.S. President Donald Trump has issued one of his strongest warnings yet to Hamas, declaring that failure to disarm under the Gaza ceasefire framework could lead to their complete disappearance. Speaking in connection with the unveiling of the Gaza “Board of Peace” at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump positioned the initiative as a decisive step toward ending the long-running conflict. The Gaza Board of Peace was formally introduced with a focus on global peacekeeping, post-war governance and humanitarian stability. Trump confirmed that the framework aligns with the UN and is rooted in a plan adopted by the U.N. Security Council in October. The founding charter was signed in the presence of key members, with Trump describing his role as chairman as an “enormous honour”. WATCH