Gaza ceasefire stalls one year after US-brokered deal; implementation falters
One year after Israel and Hamas agreed to a US-backed ceasefire in October 2025, implementation has stalled significantly. The deal, brokered by the Trump administration, was meant to end the devastating two-year Gaza war and move through two phases—releasing hostages and establishing long-term peace. However, more than fourteen hundred Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire began, according to humanitarian organizations. The agreement's second phase, which requires Hamas disarmament, Israeli troop withdrawal, and establishment of an International Stabilization Force, remains incomplete. Negotiations continue in Cairo and Doha, but progress on key issues—including security arrangements and aid delivery—remains minimal. The ceasefire persists in name but not practice, with ongoing military strikes and humanitarian restrictions continuing to impact two million displaced Palestinians.
Key facts
- Israel and Hamas agreed to US-brokered ceasefire in October 2025, entered into effect October 10, 2025
- Over 1,400 Palestinians killed during supposed ceasefire according to humanitarian organizations
- Gaza's Government Media Office documented over 2,073 ceasefire violations between October 2025 and March 2026
- Second phase of peace deal includes Hamas disarmament, Israeli withdrawal, and International Stabilization Force deployment—none fully implemented
- Before ceasefire, Gaza war lasted nearly two years with over 74,000 Palestinian deaths and 251 Israeli hostages taken on October 7, 2023
How different outlets framed it
Left-leaning coverage: Progressive and human rights organizations stress that the ceasefire has failed in practice, describing it as existing only on paper. They highlight that more than 1,400 Palestinians have been killed during the supposed truce, with one child dying almost daily, hospitals non-functional, and 1.4 million facing crisis-level hunger. These groups call for accountability and pressure on Israel to comply with international law.
Right-leaning coverage: Right-leaning analysis frames the October 2025 ceasefire as a strategic achievement that has reduced Hamas's military capability. This perspective emphasizes Israel's security concerns and the need to maintain Israeli control over Gaza's security until Hamas fully disarms and returns all hostages, viewing military operations as necessary enforcement of ceasefire violations.
Limits of this briefing
Sources reflect perspectives from humanitarian organizations, international bodies, and media outlets aligned with their political perspectives. Israeli military and government viewpoints are represented indirectly through reporting. On-the-ground perspectives from ordinary Palestinians and Israelis affected by the conflict are limited in available sources.
Sources
- Washington Post: A US-brokered ceasefire was supposed to end the war in Gaza. A year later, progress has stalled Centre
- Al Jazeera: Gaza ceasefire 'exists in name only', more than 100 NGOs say Centre
- Amnesty International: Gaza ceasefire exists in name only, say more than 100 organizations Left
- Council on Foreign Relations: A Guide to Trump's Twenty-Point Gaza Peace Deal Centre
- FDD's Long War Journal: Gaza peace plan sees slow progress after Hamas meets in Cairo Right