Gaza ceasefire stalls over disarmament disputes as violence continues
An Israel-Hamas ceasefire that began in October 2025 has struggled to advance beyond its initial phase throughout 2026. The agreement, mediated by the United States and backed by an international Board of Peace, was intended to have two phases: first, a hostage exchange and humanitarian pause, and second, Hamas disarmament, Israeli troop withdrawal, and Gaza reconstruction. However, progress has stalled significantly. Negotiations centered on Hamas's commitment to disarm remain deadlocked, with both sides accusing the other of violations. Reports document over 1,500 Palestinian deaths since the ceasefire began, while aid delivery has fallen short of agreed levels. By July 2026, Hamas resigned its civil administration as a gesture toward advancing talks. Meanwhile, Israel has expanded its military control zone in Gaza from roughly 53 percent to 65 percent of the territory. The ceasefire continues in name, but fighting persists at lower intensity, leaving Gaza's population in what observers describe as a state of neither war nor peace.
Key facts
- A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas began in October 2025 and entered a second phase in January 2026 focused on disarmament and reconstruction
- Over 1,500 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire began, according to Gaza health authorities
- Israel controls approximately 65 percent of Gaza by October 2026, expanded from 53 percent at the ceasefire's start
- Hamas resigned its civil administration on July 6, 2026, and agreed to disarm on July 31, contingent on reconstruction and Israeli withdrawal
- Negotiations have stalled repeatedly over Hamas disarmament, Israeli withdrawal timelines, and aid delivery levels
- Only about 43 percent of agreed humanitarian aid entered Gaza during the first phase, compared to the 54,000 trucks pledged
How different outlets framed it
Left-leaning coverage: Left-leaning sources highlight the humanitarian catastrophe persisting under the ceasefire, emphasizing Israel's continued military operations, violations of withdrawal agreements, and restrictions on aid deliveries that have created famine conditions. They stress Palestinian suffering and question Israel's commitment to the agreement.
Right-leaning coverage: Right-leaning sources stress Hamas's failure to disarm and its continued control over portions of Gaza, arguing that Israeli security requirements justify maintaining military positions. They frame Hamas as an obstacle to progress and emphasize the need for strong security measures before further withdrawals.
Limits of this briefing
Coverage is dominated by left-leaning and centrist outlets; right-leaning Israeli perspectives from official government sources are limited in the search results. Additionally, casualty figures are disputed between Palestinian and Israeli sources, and attribution of ceasefire violations varies by outlet's political perspective.
Sources
- Al Jazeera: US declares phase two of Gaza ceasefire, but what did phase one deliver? Left
- CNN: US and Hamas hold first direct talks since Gaza truce as ceasefire process stalls Centre
- Council on Foreign Relations: A Guide to the Gaza Peace Deal Centre
- Long War Journal: Gaza peace plan sees slow progress after Hamas meets in Cairo Right
- J Street: Nine Months In: Assessing the Status of the Gaza Ceasefire Left