Gaza ceasefire agreement moves to second phase with mixed implementation
In October 2025, the United States brokered a 20-point peace plan between Israel and Hamas that led to a ceasefire effective October 10, 2025. The first phase involved hostage releases and troop withdrawals to agreed positions. In January 2026, both sides confirmed the first phase was complete when Hamas returned the remains of the last Israeli hostage. The agreement then progressed to a second phase focused on Hamas disarmament, reconstruction, and establishing transitional Palestinian governance through a Board of Peace. However, implementation has been fragile. Palestinian health sources document over 1,100 deaths since the ceasefire began, while hundreds of alleged ceasefire violations including airstrikes and incursions have been documented. A July 2026 agreement on Hamas disarmament represented a major breakthrough, though verification and full implementation remain incomplete. The Trump administration continues to lead mediation efforts alongside Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey.
Key facts
- US-brokered ceasefire took effect October 10, 2025, following a 20-point Trump peace plan announced September 29, 2025
- First phase lasted October 2025 to January 2026, involving hostage releases and initial Israeli troop withdrawal
- Second phase began January 2026, focusing on Hamas disarmament, reconstruction, and establishment of transitional Palestinian governance
- Gaza Government Media Office documented over 2,073 alleged ceasefire violations between October 2025 and March 2026
- Palestinian health sources report over 1,100 Palestinian deaths since ceasefire began October 10, 2025
- July 31, 2026 announcement included historic Hamas disarmament agreement framework, though implementation details pending verification
How different outlets framed it
Left-leaning coverage: Left-leaning outlets highlight ongoing Israeli attacks and ceasefire violations, citing documentation of over 2,000 alleged violations by Israel including airstrikes and incursions that have killed over 1,100 Palestinians. They emphasize that humanitarian conditions remain dire, aid restrictions persist, and the ceasefire has failed to deliver tangible improvements for civilians. Critics argue Trump's agreement lacks enforcement mechanisms and that Palestinians remain unsafe despite the official truce.
Right-leaning coverage: Right-leaning outlets credit Trump with brokering a significant diplomatic achievement that returned hostages and halted major fighting, positioning it as a signature foreign policy success. They emphasize Israeli security concerns, noting that Israel maintains military readiness and control over security matters pending verified Hamas disarmament. Some highlight that Israel justifies continued military operations as necessary responses to residual threats or ceasefire breaches by Hamas.
Limits of this briefing
Different sources report significantly different casualty and violation numbers due to conflicting methodologies and data sources. The extent to which documented incidents represent genuine ceasefire violations versus legitimate security responses remains disputed between the parties, and verification mechanisms for disarmament are still being finalized.
Sources
- Al Jazeera: Neither war nor peace: What Gaza looks like six months into ceasefire Left
- Council on Foreign Relations: A Guide to the Gaza Peace Deal Centre
- Times of Israel: Addressing UN, Trump lauds his Gaza ceasefire for saving thousands of lives Right
- CNN: Trump announces a breakthrough in Gaza - but there are major caveats Centre
- Worthy News: Trump Denounces Iran As State Sponsor Of Terror, Recalls Horrors Of October 7 Right