Gaza (The Palestine Telegraph Newspaper) – 24 January
2026 - The death toll in Gaza has reached 71,654 following recent Israeli
military actions reported as ceasefire violations. The US has unveiled plans
for a 'New Gaza' reconstruction featuring skyscrapers, amid a fragile ceasefire
that began in October 2025. Humanitarian conditions remain dire, with nearly
one million people lacking adequate shelter and 6 million facing severe food
insecurity, as confirmed by UN reports.
The ceasefire agreement, negotiated with key involvement
from Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law, includes phase one provisions for
hostage exchanges, partial Israeli withdrawal, and increased aid deliveries.
Israeli forces confirmed three soldier deaths from Palestinian attacks, while
Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry reported 477 Palestinian deaths over three
months.
Ceasefire Framework and Key Provisions
Credit: Moiz Salhi/Anadolu
The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas commenced in October
2025, marking a significant pause after prolonged conflict. Phase one
stipulates the exchange of all living and deceased Israeli hostages held in
Gaza for Palestinians in Israeli prisons. It also mandates a partial withdrawal
of Israeli forces from certain areas and an uplift in humanitarian aid to
address shortages.
Jared Kushner, central to the negotiations, addressed the
scale of destruction at a recent event. He noted that approximately 90,000 tons
of munitions dropped on Gaza generated around 60 million tons of debris
requiring clearance. Kushner stated, "Initially, we considered the idea of
establishing a free zone and then a Hamas zone. Ultimately, we decided to aim
for a resounding success."
Hamas has agreed to demilitarise, with the US affirming
intentions to enforce compliance. Trump emphasised that Hamas must return the
body of the last deceased Israeli hostage, which Israel maintains should
precede phase two of the peace plan.
US 'New Gaza' Reconstruction Initiative
The United States unveiled ambitious plans to rebuild Gaza
as a "New Gaza," proposing construction from scratch including
skyscrapers. This initiative follows the ceasefire and aims to transform the
territory devastated by conflict. The proposal comes as part of broader efforts
to stabilise the region post-hostilities.
Kushner highlighted the project's scope during the
announcement. He remarked, "When people inquire about our plan B, we
simply do not have one," underscoring commitment to the vision. The plan
addresses the extensive rubble, estimated at 60 million tons, as a prerequisite
for redevelopment.
Reports indicate the ceasefire's fragility, with Israeli
military operations continuing in areas like Gaza City. On Thursday, five
individuals died from Israeli gunfire across Gaza, including four in an
artillery strike in the eastern Zeitoun neighbourhood.
Reported Casualties and Violations
Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry recorded 477 Palestinian
deaths in Israeli custody over the three months of the ceasefire period. This
figure contributes to the overall toll now at 71,654, as verified across
multiple outlets.
Israeli sources confirmed the loss of three soldiers to
attacks by Palestinian armed factions during the same timeframe. These
incidents have been cited as violations undermining the truce, with operations
reported in Zeitoun and other zones.
The inverted structure of reporting places these most
critical developments first: the escalating toll and breaches amid stalled
progress to phase two. Supporting details affirm patterns of violence
persisting despite agreements.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
Credit: Wikipedia
United Nations assessments describe severe conditions in
Gaza. Nearly one million residents lack adequate shelter, exacerbating
vulnerabilities post-conflict. Additionally, 6 million people confront severe
food insecurity, hindering recovery efforts.
Aid deliveries have increased per phase one terms, yet
distribution challenges persist amid ongoing military activities. The debris
volume complicates access, with 60 million tons blocking infrastructure
rehabilitation.
International observers note the ceasefire's precarious
state. Trump's administration pushes enforcement, linking reconstruction to
demilitarisation compliance. Hamas's commitments remain under scrutiny.
Negotiation Background and Stakeholder Statements
Jared Kushner's role extended from ceasefire brokering to
reconstruction planning. His comments reflect a shift from segmented zones to
comprehensive success. The absence of a contingency plan signals high stakes.
Israel insists
on hostage returns before advancing phases. The final deceased Israeli
hostage's body remains unreturned, stalling transitions. Palestinian factions
continue operations, prompting Israeli responses.
The Hamas-run ministry's casualty figures provide the baseline
for the 71,654 total. Israeli verifications align on soldier losses, confirming
bilateral impacts.
Regional and International Context
The Gaza developments occur against broader Middle East
tensions. US involvement under President Trump, reelected in November 2024 and
inaugurated January 2025, prioritises decisive outcomes. Greenland acquisition
discussions and Ukraine security pacts illustrate parallel foreign policy
focuses, though Gaza remains acute.
BBC reports confirm the munitions and debris scale, aligning
with US disclosures. The ceasefire's October start followed intense
hostilities, setting the stage for current violations.
Ongoing Military Engagements
Thursday's artillery strike in Zeitoun killed four, part of
five total gunfire fatalities. Eastern Gaza City saw concentrated action,
testing truce limits. Palestinian armed groups' attacks claimed three Israeli
soldiers over three months.
These events elevate the death toll to 71,654, per
aggregated ministry data. International media corroborate patterns without
independent toll verification specified.
Reconstruction Challenges Ahead
Credit: aa.com.tr
Clearing 60 million tons of debris precedes skyscraper
erection in 'New Gaza.' The US vision requires demilitarisation enforcement,
with Hamas consent reported. Phase two delays hinge on compliance and returns.
UN data underscores shelter and food crises impeding
progress. One million unsheltered and 6 million food-insecure highlight aid
imperatives.
Kushner's optimism tempers with no-plan-B stance. Trump's directive on the last hostage reinforces preconditions.