Gaza ceasefire at one-year mark: Stalled negotiations amid continued violence
One year after a US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect in October 2025, the Gaza peace process remains in crisis. The agreement's first phase, which involved a halt to fighting and hostage releases, has progressed to a second phase focused on Hamas disarmament and Israeli withdrawal. However, progress has stalled significantly. Since the ceasefire began, at least 1,400 Palestinians and a small number of Israeli military personnel have been killed. International observers documented between 5,000 and 5,500 ceasefire violations by Israeli forces. Humanitarian aid deliveries have fallen far short of agreed levels—only 23,000 to 4,500 trucks entered Gaza by mid-2026, versus the 54,000 to 18,000 stipulated. The Israeli military controls roughly 65 percent of Gaza through a contested demarcation line. A disarmament agreement was reached in July 2026, contingent on reconstruction and Israeli withdrawal, but implementation remains blocked. Both sides cite the other's non-compliance. International observers warn the ceasefire exists 'in name only' as suffering persists.
Key facts
- The Gaza ceasefire came into effect on October 10, 2025, under a US-brokered agreement proposed by President Trump.
- Between 1,400 and 1,400 Palestinians and 5 Israeli military personnel were killed since the ceasefire took effect by October 20, 2026.
- Gaza's government media office documented between 5,147 and 5,474 ceasefire violations through October 2026.
- Only 23,000 of 54,000 agreed trucks entered Gaza by January 2026; other reports cite 4,500-4,600 of 18,000 trucks by April-May 2026.
- Israel controls approximately 65 percent of Gaza as of October 2026, expanded from 53 percent when the ceasefire began.
- A disarmament agreement was reached July 31, 2026, but remains unimplemented pending Israeli withdrawal.
- Not a single hospital is fully functioning in Gaza; 35 of 57 hospitals are only partially functional.
- 1.4 million Palestinians face crisis-level hunger; nearly 2 million need shelter.
- Over 74,000 Palestinians have been killed in the entire war since October 2023; over 21,000 were children.
How different outlets framed it
Left-leaning coverage: Left-leaning outlets and humanitarian organizations focus on the humanitarian catastrophe and Israeli ceasefire violations. They argue Israel has deliberately obstructed aid, killed civilians including children, prevented reconstruction, and expanded military control of Gaza. Many frame these actions as genocide or crimes against humanity, demanding international accountability and Israeli compliance with the plan. They emphasize that the ceasefire has failed Palestinian civilians.
Right-leaning coverage: Right-leaning sources and Israeli officials argue that Israel must maintain military operations to ensure Hamas is genuinely disarmed before withdrawing. They point to Hamas's refusal to disarm without Israeli withdrawal as evidence of bad faith and cite Hamas's history of diverting humanitarian aid. They emphasize that Israel must retain security control and that reconstruction cannot proceed while Hamas remains a threat.
Limits of this briefing
Most international sources are humanitarian organizations and left-aligned outlets; fewer explicitly right-leaning Western media sources were available in current reporting. Some figures vary by source and reporting period. Israeli government statements are represented through secondary reporting rather than direct sources. The situation remains fluid with ongoing negotiations.
Sources
- Al Jazeera: Gaza ceasefire 'exists in name only', more than 100 NGOs say Left
- Council on Foreign Relations: A Guide to the Gaza Peace Deal Centre
- Washington Post: A US-brokered ceasefire was supposed to end the war in Gaza. A year later, progress has stalled Centre
- American Jewish Committee: Humanitarian Aid in Gaza: What's Really Happening Right
- Amnesty International: Gaza ceasefire exists in name only, say more than 100 organizations Left