Meanwhile, civilians bore the cost. Schools stayed closed, families slept in shelters, and hospitals overflowed. “The truce didn’t change anything,” said Lior Ben-David, a teacher in Ashkelon. “Peace? This isn’t peace — it’s a pause between nightmares.” Neighboring countries watched nervously, fearing escalation, while global oil markets spiked under the uncertainty.
Trump’s role added another layer of tension. The former president positioned himself as mediator, declaring the agreement historic. Critics accused him of overreach, while allies argued that even a shaky pause in violence was a step forward. “A cease-fire without trust is like patching a cracked dam with tape,” said a European diplomat.
International bodies quickly weighed in. The UN, EU, and Arab League called for restraint, while Russia and China voiced concern over U.S. involvement. The Biden administration treads carefully, emphasizing stability and long-term solutions over dramatic declarations.
Twelve days of conflict left neighborhoods in ruins, lives lost, and communities traumatized. Exact casualty numbers remain disputed, but the psychological toll is universal: fear, uncertainty, and exhaustion. Experts warn that the cease-fire does not address the deeper issues — territorial disputes, proxy wars, and ideological divides. “This isn’t peace,” says regional analyst Laila Husseini. “It’s the eye of the storm.”
As night fell, missile sirens finally quieted. Families cautiously stepped outside in Tel Aviv; citizens in Tehran scanned news for confirmation of calm. For now, both sides hold fire — but everyone knows it could erupt again. The Trump-brokered truce may pause the conflict, but it has not solved the underlying tensions.
In the Middle East, history proves one thing: peace isn’t announced in press conferences. It’s fragile, earned day by day, in the silence that follows the chaos.
Share this story to help others understand just how delicate peace can be — and why global attention is needed to prevent the next crisis.