GAZA CITY June 15, 2026 — Palestinians in Gaza expressed deep disappointment and anger on Monday after being sidelined from the newly announced US-Iran peace framework, even as Israeli strikes killed at least four people in the enclave amid fragile ceasefire mediation efforts.
The US-Iran agreement, hailed by President Donald Trump, focuses on ending hostilities—including Israeli actions in Lebanon—and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. However, it makes no explicit provisions for halting operations in Gaza, leaving residents feeling abandoned.
Residents interviewed in Gaza City voiced their concerns directly. One woman in a headscarf told Reuters: “This agreement is with Iran, and Gaza is left alone.” Others echoed similar sentiments of isolation, highlighting the disconnect between broader regional diplomacy and the ongoing suffering in the Palestinian territory.
Health officials reported that Israeli strikes and gunfire killed at least four Palestinians across Gaza on Monday. Incidents included:
- An airstrike in Zawayda that killed a woman.
- Another strike in Nuseirat refugee camp.
- A rooftop strike in Gaza City that killed a medic and his son.
The Israeli military stated it targeted two Hamas militants planning attacks, but did not provide further details. Gaza officials say Israeli actions have killed more than 990 people since the US-brokered truce in October 2025.
Mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey are holding talks in Cairo to advance a 15-point blueprint for Gaza. Hamas has reportedly accepted most points but rejects full disarmament, tying it to Israeli withdrawal and a path toward Palestinian statehood.
US envoy Nikolay Mladenov is expected in Cairo to help bridge the gaps. The October 2025 truce halted major fighting but failed to stop intermittent Israeli strikes or secure Hamas disarmament. Israel insists Hamas must lay down arms and cede power, while occupying significant portions of the territory.
Nearly the entire population of Gaza—over 2 million people—now lives in tents and damaged buildings along a narrow coastal strip under Hamas de facto control.
The US-Iran deal has eased global energy concerns with the reopening of Hormuz, but its limited scope on Gaza has fueled local resentment and raised questions about whether regional stability can be achieved without addressing the Palestinian issue comprehensively.
Talks continue, but with deep divisions remaining, many fear the fragile truce could unravel further.
About The Author
