What's happened
Efforts to implement the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire are underway amid ongoing violations and a deepening humanitarian crisis. Key issues include disarmament, troop withdrawal, and international peacekeeping, with negotiations involving Israel, Hamas, the US, and other nations. The situation remains fragile as aid access and security arrangements are debated.
What's behind the headline?
The current situation reveals a complex interplay of military, political, and humanitarian issues. The US-led plan for Gaza's disarmament and reconstruction hinges on international peacekeeping, but significant obstacles remain. Hamas’s resistance to disarmament, Israel’s demands for full demilitarization, and regional opposition threaten the peace process. The deployment of an international stabilization force is critical but faces reluctance from potential contributors wary of conflict escalation. The US’s role as mediator is pivotal, yet its plans are challenged by disagreements over troop mandates and disarmament enforcement. The humanitarian crisis, worsened by winter storms and aid restrictions, underscores the urgency of a sustainable resolution. The next few weeks will determine whether the fragile ceasefire can evolve into a stable, long-term peace or collapse under unresolved tensions.
What the papers say
Al Jazeera reports detailed ongoing violations by Israel, including the assassination of Hamas commander Raed Saad, and highlights the deepening humanitarian crisis with aid restrictions and winter hardships. The New Arab emphasizes the difficulties in forming the international stabilization force, noting countries' hesitations and Israel’s veto on Turkish involvement. The Times of Israel provides insights into Netanyahu’s focus on the return of hostages and the political challenges of demilitarization, while also discussing the US’s plans for a governance board led by Trump. These sources collectively illustrate the high-stakes negotiations, regional opposition, and the humanitarian toll that define the current phase of Gaza’s peace process.
How we got here
The ceasefire in Gaza, brokered in October 2025, ended a two-year conflict following Hamas's attack on southern Israel. The first phase involved prisoner exchanges and limited Israeli troop withdrawals. The second phase aims to address Hamas disarmament, Israeli troop withdrawal, and Gaza’s governance, with international involvement and reconstruction plans in progress. Negotiations are complicated by violations, humanitarian needs, and political disagreements among key actors.
Go deeper
Common question
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What is the current status of the Gaza ceasefire and future peace prospects?
The Gaza ceasefire between Hamas and Israel has entered a new phase, but many questions remain about its stability and the path to lasting peace. With ongoing negotiations, international involvement, and complex challenges, it's natural to wonder what comes next. Below, we explore the latest developments, the next steps in peace efforts, and what obstacles still stand in the way of a durable resolution.
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Recent headlines highlight a complex web of racial tensions, immigration policies, and international conflicts that are influencing domestic and global politics. From viral incidents involving racial slurs to international negotiations in Gaza, these stories raise important questions about societal divisions, government actions, and the future of international relations. Below, we explore some of the most pressing questions shaping today’s news cycle and what they mean for society today.
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What is the current status of the Hamas-Israel ceasefire?
The ceasefire between Hamas and Israel has been fragile since it began in October, following a two-year conflict. Negotiations are ongoing for a second phase that could shape the future of Gaza and regional stability. Many are wondering what the latest developments mean for peace, security, and international involvement. Below, we explore key questions about the ceasefire, peace talks, and what lies ahead.
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What’s the Latest in Global Politics and Conflict? Key Updates on US, Gaza, and Middle East
Stay informed with the latest developments in international politics, from President Trump’s new security strategy to ongoing conflicts in Gaza and the Middle East. Here are the most pressing questions and clear answers to help you understand the current global landscape.
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What Are the Main Obstacles in the Gaza Ceasefire Negotiations?
The ongoing Gaza ceasefire negotiations are complex, involving multiple issues like disarmament, troop withdrawal, and regional security concerns. Understanding the key obstacles can help clarify why progress is slow and what might influence the next steps in peace efforts. Below, we explore the main challenges negotiators face and what they mean for the future of Gaza and the broader Middle East peace process.
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Gaza Conflict: What’s Next for Peace?
The Gaza ceasefire has brought a fragile pause to ongoing violence, but many questions remain about the path forward. From obstacles to peace talks to the humanitarian crisis, understanding the current situation is crucial. Below, we explore key issues shaping Gaza’s future and what might come next in this complex conflict.
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What Are the Key Issues Delaying Gaza’s Ceasefire?
The Gaza ceasefire remains fragile, with several critical issues holding up a full peace agreement. Ongoing violence, disagreements over disarmament, troop withdrawals, and international peacekeeping efforts are at the heart of the delays. Understanding these obstacles helps explain why peace talks are so complex and why the situation continues to be tense. Below, we explore the main questions about the challenges facing Gaza’s ceasefire and what might help bring lasting peace.
More on these topics
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Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist militant organization. It has a social service wing, Dawah, and a military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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The Gaza Strip, or simply Gaza, is a self-governing Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, that borders Egypt on the southwest for 11 kilometers and Israel on the east and north along a 51 km border.
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Benjamin Netanyahu is an Israeli politician serving as Prime Minister of Israel since 2009, and previously from 1996 to 1999. Netanyahu is also the Chairman of the Likud – National Liberal Movement.
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Qatar, officially the State of Qatar, is a country located in Western Asia, occupying the small Qatar Peninsula on the northeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula.
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Gaza most commonly refers to:
Gaza Strip, a Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea
Gaza City, a city in the Gaza Strip
Gaza may also refer to:
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The Israel Defense Forces, commonly known in Israel by the Hebrew acronym Tzahal, are the military forces of the State of Israel. They consist of the ground forces, air force, and navy. It is the sole military wing of the Israeli security forces, and has