Gaza ceasefire stalls over disarmament as negotiations stretch into year two
A US-backed ceasefire between Israel and Hamas that began in October 2025 has entered its second year amid persistent tensions and limited progress. The agreement was designed to unfold in phases, with the first phase focusing on hostage releases and prisoner exchanges. Phase two aims at Hamas disarmament, Israeli withdrawal, and reconstruction—but negotiations have largely stalled. Since the ceasefire took effect, at least 1,400 Palestinians and 5 Israeli military personnel have been killed according to official counts. The central dispute involves who disarms first: Israel demands Hamas completely disarm before any troops withdraw, while Hamas insists Israel must withdraw to the so-called Yellow Line as originally agreed. A Board of Peace overseen by international mediators attempts to advance the plan, but disagreements persist over verification methods, aid delivery, and security arrangements. The ceasefire remains technically in place but fragile, with humanitarian organizations saying little has improved for Gaza's population.
Key facts
- Ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect October 10, 2025 under US-backed plan
- Phase one completed with hostage and prisoner exchanges; phase two focused on disarmament and withdrawal remains stalled
- At least 1,400 Palestinians and 5 Israeli military personnel killed since ceasefire began
- Israeli forces control approximately 65 percent of Gaza as of October 2026, up from 53 percent at ceasefire start
- Central dispute: Israel demands full Hamas disarmament before withdrawal; Hamas demands Israeli withdrawal to Yellow Line first
- Board of Peace established by UN Security Council Resolution 2803 to oversee transitional governance and reconstruction
- Humanitarian organizations report ceasefire exists on paper only, with daily Israeli strikes and aid restrictions ongoing
How different outlets framed it
Left-leaning coverage: Left-leaning outlets highlight continued Israeli military operations and civilian casualties despite the ceasefire, characterizing the agreement as ineffective. They emphasize humanitarian violations, restrictions on aid delivery, and allegations that Israel has violated ceasefire terms over 2,000 times. Sources like Al Jazeera and Amnesty International point to UN findings of potential genocide and frame Netanyahu's demands as deliberate obstacles to peace implementation.
Right-leaning coverage: Right-leaning outlets and Israeli officials emphasize security concerns about Hamas's unwillingness to genuinely disarm and the need for Israel to maintain control until Hamas poses no threat. They frame Netanyahu's conditions as reasonable precautions and highlight Hamas's continued weapons possession. Reporting suggests Israel cannot afford to withdraw while Hamas remains armed, characterizing the organization as an existential threat requiring full military victory conditions.
Limits of this briefing
Death toll figures vary by source; Palestinian counts from Gaza Health Ministry are higher than Israeli estimates. Verification of ceasefire violations and responsibility for specific incidents is contested. US involvement through the Board of Peace may limit neutrality of international mediation on some issues.
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
- NPR: Israel says it has serious concerns with the White House's Hamas disarmament deal Centre
- CNN: Israel rejects Trump's Gaza peace plan, saying no withdrawal until Hamas disarms Centre
- Times of Israel: Nov. 6: Tony Blair reportedly to meet with Eisenkot after talks with Herzog and Netanyahu Right