Even before the outbreak of war, Gazans faced a number of environmental concerns. “The situation in Gaza on the ground prior to October 7, 2023 was, from an environmental and humanitarian point of view, not good,” says David Lehrer, Arava Institute’s director of applied environmental diplomacy.

Former national security adviser John Bolton, who served in President Trump’s first term, on Tuesday said peace in Gaza won’t be achieved until Hamas demilitarizes. “This question of demilitarization of Hamas is the next key step,

President Trump said his focus now is on rebuilding Gaza, but has shared few specifics on his vision for security and governance of the enclave.

The United Nations is seeking a dramatic boost in humanitarian aid for Gaza, saying the hundreds of relief trucks cleared to enter the devastated enclave under a ceasefire were nowhere near the thousands needed to ease a humanitarian disaster.

Hamas has deployed hundreds of police and clashed with armed groups in Gaza in what the militant group says is an attempt to restore law and order in areas where Israeli troops have withdrawn for the U.

The prospect of rebuilding homes, businesses and all the institutions and services needed for a return to normal life in Gaza is daunting by any measure: the UN estimates that the damage amounts to $70bn.

President Trump got a standing ovation after addressing Israeli lawmakers following Hamas' release of all living hostages under the Gaza peace deal.