After deadly day, Gazans say Trump's touting of plan jars with grim reality

Palestinians in Gaza expressed dismay Monday, stating that U.S. President Donald Trump's touting of a new peace plan is disconnected from their grim reality. Their comments followed a day where Israeli forces killed 18 Palestinians, marking one of the bloodiest days since a ceasefire last year. Trump had declared on Thursday that a "major milestone" had been reached toward implementing the Gaza peace plan agreed upon in October, outlining phased disarmament of Hamas and Israeli withdrawal. However, significant complications have quickly surfaced. Israel's defense minister stated Sunday that Israeli troops would not withdraw until Hamas disarms and its tunnels are destroyed. Conversely, Hamas insists Israel must halt attacks before it implements its part of the agreement concerning its weaponry. On the ground in Gaza, areas devastated by the Israeli offensive launched after Hamas's October 7, 2023 attacks, residents report that recent intensifying Israeli strikes have extinguished any hope for progress. Israeli troops remain stationed in Gaza.