Since the start of the Iran war, the first-ever formal meeting was conducted between Hamas and the “Board of Peace” during the second week of March. Israel also pledged to open the only pedestrian crossing between Gaza and Egypt during the month, but their promises have always been fabricated.

However, this announcement is a direct result of the meeting between Hamas and the United States. US President Donald Trump described the Gaza plan as the flagship initiative for the revitalization of the Middle East. However, the Middle East has also been turned into flames by the same President and Israel.

Recent Developments in Gaza

On the other hand, Hamas representatives clearly intimated to the Board of Peace that they would back away from their promises if Israel continued to oppress people and maintain restrictions imposed during the Iran war.

One of the most crucial events in Gaza is the closure of the Rafah border – the only crossing between Gaza and Egypt. Although the border was partially reopened for a limited supply of goods, the sole pedestrian crossing was closed. People in the West Bank, as well as in Gaza, are still under constant threat of being brutally killed, as observed during the ongoing genocide.

The Recent Meeting between Hamas and the Board of Peace

During the latest meetup between Hamas and the United States-led Board of Peace, a lot of demands were put in front of Hamas. One of the most prominent demands is that Hamas would be forced to allow the destruction of its vast Gaza tunnel network. This network is the primary source of Hamas operations and self-defence.

US President Donald Trump also put a plan to disarm Hamas completely and expected them to lay down their weapons in stages over the next eight months. A US-backed committee of Palestinian technocrats will be taking control of the overall security of Gaza. It is also planned that Israeli forces will withdraw from Gaza once they verify that Gaza is completely free from weaponry.

Dismantling the entire military structure of Hamas is another big demand put by the Board of Peace. The tunnel network is not just being used for operational scenarios, but it is also being used for aid supply, movement under blockade, and other defensive operations.

The Perspective of Hamas

Hamas, on the other hand, aptly understands the situation and the hollow promises of Israel and the United States. It has not publicly commented on the proposed disarmament plan.

The proposed Trump plan includes two primary components: a 12-point document including steps to implement Trump’s plan and a five-stage timeline. This timeline consists of plans for Hamas to surrender over the next eight months. Hamas adequately knows about the consequences if it leaves the field.

One Authority, One Law, and One Weapon

This is the motto of the document proposed by Donald Trump in his peace plan. It also states that only the individuals verified by the NCAG will be allowed to possess weapons. Resultantly, all armed factions need to cease military activities in all capacities.

This disarmament process will also be overseen by a weapons collection verification committee. In a nutshell, this motto clearly defines the motto of the US to completely take over Gaza. There should not be anything except the indirect rule of the United States and the direct rule of Israel.

The Waves of the Iran War

The war involving Iran has not brought any real pause to Gaza; instead, increased assault has been observed. Israeli strikes have continued across the territory even as the wider regional conflict unfolded.

The current framework for Gaza traces back to an October ceasefire, after which Israel retained control over more than half of the enclave. Meanwhile, the vast majority of Gaza’s population, over two million people, has been pushed into a densely packed area still under Hamas administration.

In the weeks before tensions with Iran escalated, the plan appeared to be gaining ground. There were renewed discussions around reconstruction efforts and even the possible reopening of the Rafah crossing, raising cautious hopes of relief for Gaza’s population.

However, the situation on the ground has remained extremely volatile. Israeli forces (IDF) have continued their operations, including recent strikes that killed at least 12 people, among them several police personnel. Israel has maintained that such actions are carried out in response to threats or attacks linked to Hamas.

Officials familiar with negotiations in Cairo suggest that Hamas views the regional conflict as a turning point. There is a belief within the group that Israel may be using the Iran war as an opportunity to step back from earlier commitments made under the Gaza plan, which is a claim Israel strongly denies.

Moreover, a key element of the proposal has been the question of disarmament. The idea centers on Hamas giving up its weapons in exchange for guarantees such as amnesty, with the expectation that this would open the door to reconstruction and a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces.

Even so, it remains unclear whether this issue will be formally addressed or if it is just a form of manipulation, as Israel has been doing for decades.

When Israel and the United States launched a full-scale military assault against Iran, international attention shifted instantly toward the possibility of a wider Middle Eastern War. The blockage of the Strait of Hormuz, the reluctance of the US and Israel to completely obliterate Iran and wipe out their leadership, are not just threats to the Middle East but to the entire world.

Currently, headlines are focusing on missiles, regional alliances, and the risk of escalation between powerful adversaries. On the other hand, the situation across the Palestinian territories did not pause. Instead, a series of heinous developments inside Gaza and the occupied West Bank reveal that the genocide is entering a new and increasingly complex phase.

Some of the recent trends reshaping the reality across Palestinian territories include the rise of militias, fragmentation inside the Gaza Strip, and intensified violence across the West Bank.

Together, these developments suggest that the genocide is evolving into a more layered and unpredictable struggle.

The Emergence of Israeli-Backed Militias in Gaza

One of the most striking developments in recent weeks is the rise of armed Palestinian factions operating inside Gaza with apparent coordination with Israeli forces.

In this context, several groups have begun carrying out operations targeting Hamas members and infrastructure within areas of Gaza under Israeli military control.

Among the groups identified are organizations known as the Popular Army, including Northern Forces and the Free Homeland Forces, which are believed to be connected to a broader network sometimes referred to as the Popular Forces.

Moreover, these militias have carried out activities in Gaza, including:

• Raids on different locations
• Abductions of civilians
• Intelligence gathering operations for Israel

Their presence introduces a new dimension to the conflict. For years, the main dynamic inside Gaza has centered on the confrontation between Israeli forces and Hamas. The appearance of armed Palestinian factions aligned against Hamas complicates that structure and adds the possibility of internal fragmentation.

Security analysts warn that such developments can significantly reshape power dynamics within genocidal zones, bringing further instability and chaos.

Fragmentation of Governance Inside Gaza

The prolonged genocide and the destruction of infrastructure across the enclave have weakened administrative structures and complicated governance.

Several factors now contribute to the fragmentation of authority:

• The continued presence of Israeli military operations in Gaza
• The emergence of new armed factions operating independently
• The erosion of centralized administrative control due to the scale of genocide

The introduction of additional militias may further complicate efforts to establish political stability in the territory. In many genocidal zones, the proliferation of armed groups often leads to competing spheres of influence and weakened governance structures.

Ultimately, this fragmentation could make future political settlements even more difficult, as multiple actors compete for influence within the territory.

Escalation in the West Bank

The West Bank is not immune to the genocidal activities of Israel. While Gaza and Iran remain at the center of international attention, the occupied West Bank has also experienced a dramatic increase in violence since the Gaza genocide began.

According to figures cited by Palestinian authorities and international observers, more than 1,000 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank since the beginning of the Gaza genocide.

The violence has taken several forms, such as Israeli military raids in Palestinian towns and refugee camps, armed confrontations between Palestinian militants and Israeli forces, and attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinian communities.

In recent months, numerous Palestinian villages have reported raids in which homes were damaged, vehicles burned, and farmland destroyed. Some incidents have also led to the displacement of families from rural areas.

Settler Violence and Community Displacement

Settler violence has become one of the most significant sources of instability in the West Bank.

There is a growing number of incidents involving attacks on Palestinian property and agricultural land.

These incidents include:

• Destruction of olive groves and crops
• Arson attacks targeting homes and vehicles
• Confrontations between settlers and residents

The consequences extend beyond the immediate damage. In some cases, Palestinian families have left villages after repeated attacks, contributing to gradual displacement in certain rural areas.

Gaza in the Context of a Wider Regional Conflict

The US, Israel–Iran confrontation has transformed the regional geopolitical landscape dramatically. Military tensions between these countries have raised fears of a broader Middle Eastern war involving multiple actors.

However, the conflict within Palestinian territories continues to evolve largely independent of the regional headlines. The recent closure of the Rafah border has triggered panic buying. Resultantly, the prices of food have skyrocketed. Moreover, the shortage of cooking gas triggered by Israel has also worsened living conditions.

Moreover, the emergence of militias, fragmentation of governance, and escalating violence suggest that the genocide is entering a phase of more destruction. Despite several calls by the United Nations to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, the world is not paying heed to the innocent lives trying to survive each second there.

The world has witnessed Islamophobia in different intensities, especially during the last two decades. However, in recent years, especially after the genocide in Gaza and the US-Israel versus Iran war, it has moved from the margins of public debate to the center of social and political discussions in Western societies. Recent research data shows hostilities toward Muslim communities have reached unusual levels, both in Europe and the United States.

Recently, two significant decisions brought this issue into sharper focus. One is the decision to restrict London’s annual Al-Quds Day march, and the second is the record surge in anti-Muslim complaints reported across the United States. Both of these events highlight a broader trend that is affecting Muslims globally.

The Al-Quds Day Debate in London

Since 1979, Al-Quds Day has been observed internationally to demonstrate solidarity with Palestinians. It also serves as a platform for discussing Middle Eastern political issues. Specifically in London, the annual march has taken place for decades, drawing activists, community organizations, and political groups.

However, this year, authorities moved to prevent the traditional procession, citing concerns over public safety and rising geopolitical tensions. Officials argued that large demonstrations related to the Middle East could create security challenges, particularly at a time when international conflicts were intensifying.

The decision immediately sparked debate across the United Kingdom. Supporters of the restrictions argued that authorities must prioritize public safety and prevent potential unrest. On the other hand, numerous people, including many civil liberties groups, questioned whether banning such demonstrations risked limiting legitimate political expression.

Regardless of the political positions surrounding the decision, the controversy reflects a larger question facing Western societies. How to balance public security concerns with the rights of communities to express political solidarity and participate in democratic debate.

Islamophobia in the United Kingdom

Stats from the United Kingdom show that anti-Muslim hostility remains one of the most significant forms of religious discrimination in the country.

According to credible estimates, roughly 4,500 Islamophobic incidents were recorded in a recent year, ranging from verbal abuse and online harassment to physical attacks and vandalism targeting mosques.

Official government crime statistics reveal a similar trend. Muslims make up around 5 percent of the population of England and Wales, yet they account for close to half of all victims of religious hate crimes recorded by police.

Many incidents involve everyday harassment in public spaces or online platforms. Others include damage to religious buildings or threatening messages directed at Muslim institutions.

Community leaders often point out that such incidents can have wider social consequences. Fear of harassment can discourage individuals from fully participating in public life, from attending religious services to engaging in civic activism.

A Record Surge of Complaints in the United States

On the other hand, similar concerns are emerging over the Atlantic. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), which is the largest Muslim civil rights organization in the United States, reported 8,683 complaints of anti-Muslim discrimination or harassment in 2025. According to the organization, this represents the highest number of complaints recorded since it began collecting data in 1996.

These complaints cover a wide range of situations, including the following:

• Workplace discrimination
• Immigration-related harassment
• Online threats and intimidation
• Discrimination in education and housing

But such figures often represent only a portion of actual incidents, since many victims choose not to report harassment.

Researchers studying patterns of discrimination have found that spikes in anti-Muslim hostility frequently occur during periods of heightened geopolitical tension involving Muslim-majority regions. Moreover, political rhetoric, media narratives, and international crises can all shape how minority communities are perceived domestically.

Universities and the Politics of Protest

Many educational institutions, like universities, have increasingly become a focal point in debates over political expression related to the Middle East.

Student demonstrations, particularly those connected to the Gaza genocide, have appeared on campuses across Europe and North America. Several universities have responded by imposing restrictions on certain protest activities or relocating demonstrations to designated areas. In some cases, police have been called to disperse encampments or enforce campus rules.

These situations have sparked broader discussions about academic freedom and the role universities play as spaces for political debate.

Media Narratives and Public Perception

Another factor shaping the conversation around Islamophobia is the role of media representation. Academic studies examining media coverage in Western countries have found that Muslims are often disproportionately associated with security issues, extremism, or geopolitical conflict in news reporting. Ultimately, such framing can influence public perceptions and reinforce stereotypes.

At the same time, Muslim communities in Europe and North America are diverse, encompassing millions of citizens and residents engaged in every sector of society, from medicine and education to business, public service, and the arts.

Understanding this diversity is a crucial step in addressing misconceptions that sometimes contribute to social tensions.

Addressing the Challenge

“Every life is equal, and every human deserves respect.”

Governments and civil society organizations across Western countries have increasingly acknowledged the need to confront anti-Muslim discrimination.

When it comes to the United Kingdom, policymakers have discussed establishing clearer definitions of anti-Muslim hatred and improving the monitoring of hate crimes. On the other hand, in the United States, advocacy groups continue to push for stronger legal protections and better reporting mechanisms.

Moreover, educational initiatives, interfaith programs, and community partnerships should also be promoted for a peaceful community.

In a nutshell, ensuring democratic societies remain inclusive and respectful of religious diversity is the way forward for a peaceful and prosperous future.