Gaza ceasefire stalls one year after deal as violations mount
A year after Israel and Hamas agreed to a US-brokered ceasefire in October 2025, negotiations have stalled over fundamental disputes. The first phase achieved the release of hostages and some prisoner exchanges. However, the transition to the second phase, intended to address reconstruction, Hamas disarmament, and Israeli troop withdrawal, has hit major obstacles. According to humanitarian groups and the UN, over 1,400 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire began despite the agreement. Israel controls roughly 64 percent of Gaza, expanded from 53 percent at the ceasefire's start. Israel demands Hamas must fully disarm before Israeli forces withdraw, while Hamas conditions disarmament on Israeli withdrawal first. Hamas has offered to store weapons for seven to ten years rather than permanently disarm. Meanwhile, Gaza faces severe humanitarian needs with nearly two million lacking adequate shelter, no hospitals fully functioning, and 1.4 million facing crisis-level hunger. The Trump administration's Board of Peace, tasked with overseeing the peace process, continues diplomatic efforts.
Key facts
- Ceasefire began October 10, 2025, after a two-year war that killed over 74,000 Palestinians
- More than 1,400 Palestinians killed since ceasefire began according to multiple sources
- Israeli forces control expanded from 53 percent to 64 percent of Gaza territory during ceasefire
- Hamas disarmament remains the key blocking issue for phase two negotiations
- Over 1.4 million Gazans face crisis-level hunger; no hospitals fully functioning
- Trump administration established Board of Peace with 27+ countries to oversee implementation
How different outlets framed it
Left-leaning coverage: Left-leaning outlets like Al Jazeera and advocacy organizations highlight Israel's continued military operations, which they characterize as systematic violations of the ceasefire. They emphasize the humanitarian catastrophe—1,400 deaths, children killed daily, destroyed infrastructure—and argue Israel has not fully implemented its obligations. Amnesty International and over 100 NGOs contend the ceasefire 'exists in name only' and call for international accountability for what some claim amounts to genocide.
Right-leaning coverage: Right-leaning and Israeli security-focused analysts stress that Hamas has not genuinely committed to disarmament, pointing to intelligence reports showing the group is rebuilding military capabilities and maintaining control of Gaza. They argue Israel cannot withdraw forces until verified disarmament is complete, citing the trauma of October 7 and Hamas's ideology. Analysts contend that without clear enforcement mechanisms, any withdrawal would leave Israel vulnerable, and that Hamas is using negotiations to buy time while secretly rearming.
Limits of this briefing
Most sources cited are from humanitarian, left-leaning, or centrist outlets; few direct quotes from Israeli right-wing political figures are available in current reporting. Death toll figures vary slightly by source and methodology, with disagreements over verification.
Sources
- Al Jazeera: Gaza ceasefire 'exists in name only', more than 100 NGOs say Left
- Washington Post: A US-brokered ceasefire was supposed to end the war in Gaza. A year later, progress has stalled Centre
- NPR: Official leading Trump's Gaza ceasefire effort criticizes Israel for its attacks Centre
- Washington Institute for Near East Policy: One Year After the Gaza Ceasefire (Part 5): The View from Jerusalem Right
- Amnesty International: Gaza ceasefire exists in name only, say more than 100 organizations Left