Trump Declares Ceasefire, Gaza Declares the Dead: Who’s Lying?
At least 69 Palestinians were killed by Israeli airstrikes across Gaza on Thursday, according to local rescuers, in one of the deadliest days in recent weeks.
The assault came just two days after former U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that Israel had agreed to the "necessary conditions" for a 60-day ceasefire — a deal he branded as “final.”
But on the ground, the reality tells a different story.
In Gaza City, 15 people — mostly women and children — were killed when an Israeli airstrike hit a school-turned-shelter in the al-Rimal neighborhood. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) claimed they had targeted a Hamas “command-and-control” center, without acknowledging the civilian toll.
Nearby, another 38 Palestinians were killed while either waiting for aid or on their way to collect it, according to the Hamas-run Civil Defence agency. The IDF has dismissed these claims as “lies,” despite mounting video evidence and eyewitness accounts. Hospitals, including Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, reported treating dozens of gunshot wounds in civilians seeking food.
“They say there's a ceasefire coming,” said survivor Ashraf Abu Shaba, “but where is it? Children are dying in places they were told were safe.”
Since May, more than 408 people have been killed near so-called 'safe' aid distribution centers, many operated by the controversial Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) — a U.S.- and Israel-backed initiative that major aid groups have refused to support, calling it a violation of humanitarian norms.
Despite these figures, Trump tweeted Tuesday:
But with 118 Palestinians killed in the last 24 hours alone, many are questioning: What “peace” is he talking about?
Critics argue Trump’s announcement — made without releasing full details of the deal — is more political theater than progress. Hamas has said it is still reviewing the proposal, demanding an end to the war and a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza — conditions Netanyahu has repeatedly rejected.
Meanwhile, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu is scheduled to visit Washington on Monday, likely to present Israel's narrative and maintain support amid rising international scrutiny.
A Ceasefire in News, A Genocide in Reality
While political leaders exchange promises, Gaza's death toll has surpassed 57,000 since October 2023. Civilians are caught in the crossfire of diplomacy and denial, many dying as world leaders exchange soundbites and social media posts.
“Trump might win hearts in headlines,” said one analyst, “but on the ground, it’s the bombs doing the talking.”
As pressure builds on both Israel and Hamas, one thing is painfully clear: A ceasefire can’t exist in press releases while children are being pulled from rubble.
