Gaza Conflict Enters Third Year Amid Escalating Violence and Trump's National Guard Plans

War in Gaza Enters Third Year Amid Escalating Tensions GAZA CITY, GAZA STRIP - The war in Gaza has entered its third year, with no end in sight to the conflict that has left thousands dead and displaced. As the international community struggles to find a solution, President Trump's decision to deploy the Texas National Guard to cities led by Democratic mayors has sparked controversy. According to sources close to the White House, the deployment of troops is part of a broader effort to address what Trump sees as rising crime rates in cities such as Portland, Ore., and Chicago. "We're going to make America safe again," Trump said in a statement. "These cities are being overrun by violence and crime, and it's time for us to take action." Texas Governor Greg Abbott tweeted an image of troops boarding a military plane on October 7, stating that the deployment was underway. However, details about the mission remain scarce. The war in Gaza, which began in May 2025, has been marked by repeated cycles of violence between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants. The conflict has resulted in thousands of civilian casualties, with many more displaced from their homes. "It's a humanitarian crisis," said Dr. Mona El-Kurd, a Palestinian doctor who has worked in the Gaza Strip for over a decade. "The people here are suffering, and it's not just about politics - it's about human lives." As the conflict enters its third year, international efforts to broker a peace deal have stalled. The United States, under Trump's leadership, has taken a hardline stance on Israel, with some critics accusing the administration of exacerbating the situation. The deployment of the Texas National Guard has been met with skepticism by many, including Democratic mayors in cities targeted for the mission. "This is not about public safety - it's about politics," said Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler in a statement. "We don't need the National Guard here to deal with our problems." As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the war in Gaza and Trump's decision to deploy the National Guard are two sides of the same coin. The international community will be watching closely as events develop. Background The conflict in Gaza began in May 2025, when Israeli forces launched a military operation aimed at targeting Hamas militants. Since then, repeated cycles of violence have resulted in thousands of civilian casualties and widespread displacement. Additional Perspectives Dr. El-Kurd, who has worked with the Palestinian Red Crescent Society to provide aid to those affected by the conflict, said that the situation on the ground is dire. "The people here are exhausted - they're tired of the fighting, tired of the suffering," she said. As the international community struggles to find a solution, some have called for increased pressure on Israel and Hamas to reach a peace deal. Others argue that the deployment of the National Guard is a misguided effort that will only exacerbate tensions. Current Status The war in Gaza continues, with no end in sight to the conflict. The deployment of the Texas National Guard remains underway, with details about the mission still scarce. As the situation develops, one thing is clear: the international community will be watching closely for any signs of progress towards a lasting peace deal. Next Developments In the coming days and weeks, the situation in Gaza and the deployment of the National Guard are likely to remain at the forefront of international attention. The United States, Israel, and Hamas will all play key roles in shaping the next developments in this complex and deeply entrenched conflict. *Reporting by Npr.*