A Ray of Hope in the Middle East

The international community reacts with cautious optimism to a plan that could end months of devastating conflict in the Gaza Strip.

On July 31, 2026, the United Nations (UN) and the European Union (EU) expressed deep satisfaction over the agreement that calls for the disarmament of Hamas in Gaza and the withdrawal of Israeli forces, as confirmed by U.S. President Donald Trump.

The Historic Peace Board Agreement

The deal was mediated by the United States, with support from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, along with Nickolai Mladenov, head of the Gaza Peace Board. Trump hailed the understanding as a historic step toward establishing a new government in the enclave, to be carried out in carefully phased stages.

Under the plan, after disarmament, Gaza’s administration will be handed over to a new Palestinian government, while an International Stabilization Force will oversee the transition, ensuring weapons are stored under the supervision of the National Committee for Gaza Administration.

Hamas Reaction and Ground Obstacles

Hamas confirmed the agreement but conditioned the surrender of its heavy weapons on Israeli withdrawal and the creation of a Palestinian state—something the current Israeli government flatly rejects. Reflecting the hurdles, a series of Israeli airstrikes shook Gaza on Friday, July 31, killing at least one Palestinian and wounding four, including a child.

Regional Tensions: Iran, Kuwait, and Lebanon

• Airspace over Kuwait: Iran launched drones toward Kuwait, which were shot down by its armed forces, causing material damage but no casualties.
• Strait of Hormuz: Iran’s Revolutionary Guard claimed to have struck two oil tankers in this key waterway, while four other vessels turned back.
• Maritime Security: Saudi Arabia announced a 14-country alliance to safeguard navigation in the Red Sea, including Turkey, Egypt, and Pakistan.
• Southern Lebanon: Israeli forces destroyed an underground tunnel network beneath Beaufort Castle, allegedly used by Hezbollah.

The Gaza conflict began after Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023, which killed 1,200 people and took 251 hostages. Israel’s retaliation has caused over 73,000 Palestinian deaths, according to the local Health Ministry. Sources: Infobae and Clarín.