Gaza ceasefire stalls as Israel-Hamas talks deadlock on disarmament and withdrawal
A US-backed ceasefire between Israel and Hamas began in October 2025 in two phases. The first phase, involving hostage and prisoner exchanges, officially concluded in January 2026. But months into phase two, negotiations have stalled dramatically. The core problem: disagreement over Hamas disarmament and Israeli troop withdrawal. Israel says it won't pull out until Hamas fully disarms. Hamas refuses to disarm until Israel withdraws first. Meanwhile, hundreds have been killed despite the ceasefire being in effect. According to Gaza officials, Israeli strikes have continued almost daily. Only about one-third of promised aid trucks have entered Gaza. An international stabilization force and transitional Palestinian administration were supposed to deploy, but Israel has blocked entry of committee members, citing Hamas violations. As of late 2026, these fundamental disputes remain unresolved. The agreement, signed with international fanfare nine months ago, has achieved little tangible progress on the ground.
Key facts
- Israel and Hamas agreed to a US-backed ceasefire on October 10, 2025, divided into two phases
- Phase one, involving hostage-prisoner swaps, completed in January 2026 with Hamas releasing the last Israeli hostage remains
- As of October 2026, Israeli strikes during the ceasefire killed at least 1,400 Palestinians and 5 Israeli military personnel
- Gaza Government Media Office documents 5,474 Israeli ceasefire violations from October 2025 to October 2026
- Only 66,607 of 189,000 promised humanitarian aid trucks entered Gaza from October 2025 to August 2026
- Phase two negotiations focus on Hamas disarmament, Israeli withdrawal, and establishing a transitional Palestinian administration
- Deadlock: Israel refuses withdrawal until Hamas disarms; Hamas refuses disarmament until Israel withdraws first
How different outlets framed it
Left-leaning coverage: Left-leaning outlets focus on Israeli violations and expansion. They highlight that Israel has conducted over 5,400 ceasefire violations, killed at least 1,100 Palestinians during the supposed ceasefire, continues expanding its military presence westward in Gaza, and blocks humanitarian aid. They stress Palestinian suffering and argue Israel has not honored its commitments while demanding Hamas disarm first—a sequencing that left sources view as bad faith.
Right-leaning coverage: Right-leaning analysis focuses on Hamas's refusal to disarm and continued rearmament attempts. Sources note Hamas has not fully disarmed, continues to assert control, and makes new demands in negotiations. They argue Hamas uses ceasefire violations as excuse to delay its obligations and that Israel must maintain security control until proven threats are eliminated.
Limits of this briefing
Reports of violations are documented primarily by Gaza government sources and international organizations; Israeli government provides limited public statements justifying its actions. Recent developments from late October through November 2026 may not be fully captured. Perspectives from Israeli security officials are less represented in available English-language reporting.
Sources
- Al Jazeera: US declares phase two of Gaza ceasefire, but what did phase one deliver? Left
- Council on Foreign Relations: A Guide to the Gaza Peace Deal Centre
- The New Arab: Gaza ceasefire talks return to square one amid escalation fears Left
- J Street: Nine Months In: Assessing the Status of the Gaza Ceasefire Left
- FDD Long War Journal: Gaza peace plan sees slow progress after Hamas meets in Cairo Right