What's happened
Since the October 2025 US-brokered ceasefire, Gaza remains volatile with over 570 Palestinians killed amid ongoing Israeli strikes and militant attacks. A US-led peace plan aims to demilitarize Hamas and establish technocratic governance, but progress stalls as Israel restricts Gaza access and Hamas resists disarmament. The Rafah crossing partially reopened, yet reconstruction and security remain unresolved.
What's behind the headline?
Persistent Fragility of the Gaza Ceasefire
The ceasefire in Gaza, while halting large-scale combat, has failed to end violence or political stalemate. Israeli strikes continue in response to militant attacks, causing hundreds of Palestinian deaths since October 2025. Hamas remains a dominant force, refusing to disarm, complicating peace efforts.
The US-Led Peace Plan's Challenges
The 20-point plan's second phase, involving demilitarization and technocratic governance, faces Israeli obstruction and Hamas resistance. Israel controls over half of Gaza, restricting movement and aid, undermining reconstruction efforts. The newly formed National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG) lacks real authority and access, hampering governance transition.
Regional and International Dynamics
The involvement of the UAE, backing proxy groups and influencing Gaza's future, adds complexity. International actors like Indonesia prepare peacekeeping forces, but their mandates remain unclear. Western and Arab nations condemn Israeli West Bank policies, fearing erosion of a two-state solution.
Forecast and Implications
Without Hamas disarmament and Israeli cooperation, the ceasefire risks collapse. Israel's military prepares for renewed offensives, signaling potential escalation. The humanitarian situation deteriorates amid aid restrictions and infrastructure damage. The international community's role is pivotal but constrained by conflicting interests.
Impact on Readers
The ongoing conflict affects regional stability and global diplomacy. For readers, understanding these dynamics clarifies the challenges of peace in Gaza and the broader Middle East, highlighting the urgent need for effective mediation and humanitarian relief.
What the papers say
The New York Times reveals a US-led peace plan involving Jared Kushner and Nickolay Mladenov aiming to demilitarize Hamas, though Hamas leadership resists disarmament talks, with Khalil al-Hayya refusing to discuss it directly (NYT, Feb 17). The Independent highlights ongoing violence despite the ceasefire, noting over 590 Palestinian deaths and Israeli strikes responding to militant attacks, while the National Committee for Gaza's governance remains sidelined and unable to enter Gaza (The Independent, Feb 13). The New Arab reports Israeli obstruction of Gaza's technocratic committee, with Israel controlling key areas and preparing for possible renewed military operations, while the UAE's influence complicates governance and security (The New Arab, Feb 10). AP News and France 24 document continued deadly Israeli strikes disrupting the ceasefire, with hospitals overwhelmed and humanitarian aid insufficient, despite partial reopening of the Rafah crossing and international peacekeeping preparations, including Indonesia's troop training (AP News, Feb 10; France 24, Jan 31). These sources collectively illustrate a fragile ceasefire undermined by violence, political deadlock, and competing regional interests, underscoring the complexity of achieving lasting peace in Gaza.
How we got here
The October 2025 ceasefire, brokered by the US under President Trump, followed two years of war triggered by Hamas's 2023 attack on Israel. It included a 20-point plan calling for Hamas disarmament, Israeli troop withdrawal, and Gaza reconstruction under international oversight. Despite initial progress like hostage releases and border reopening, violence and political deadlock persist.
Go deeper
- What are the main obstacles to Hamas disarmament?
- How is the international community involved in Gaza's reconstruction?
- What impact do Israeli strikes have on the ceasefire's stability?
Common question
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What is the current status of the Gaza ceasefire?
The Gaza ceasefire remains fragile amid ongoing violence and stalled negotiations. Despite an agreement in October, clashes continue, and both sides accuse each other of violations. Many wonder whether peace can hold and what the next steps are for ending the conflict. Below, we explore the latest developments, humanitarian efforts, and international responses to this complex situation.
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How is Ukraine blocking Russian military tech with Starlink?
Ukraine's recent move to restrict Russian military use of Starlink satellite internet has raised many questions. How exactly is Ukraine blocking Russian access? What role does Starlink play in the ongoing conflict? And could other countries implement similar measures? Below, we explore these questions and more to give you a clear understanding of this high-stakes digital battlefield.
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What’s happening with the Gaza blockade and the flotilla challenge?
The ongoing Gaza blockade remains a hot topic worldwide, especially with recent efforts by activists to challenge it. The Global Flotilla plans to sail to Gaza with the aim of delivering humanitarian aid and raising awareness about the blockade's impact. But what exactly is the flotilla, and why is it so controversial? Here’s everything you need to know about the latest developments, risks, and the broader conflict surrounding Gaza.
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Why Is the Gaza Ceasefire Still Fragile After Months of Conflict?
Despite a US-brokered ceasefire in October, the situation in Gaza remains tense and unstable. Ongoing violence, stalled negotiations, and humanitarian challenges keep the region on edge. Many wonder why peace hasn't taken hold and what obstacles remain. Below, we explore the current status of the ceasefire, the reasons behind continued casualties, and the hurdles blocking progress toward lasting peace.
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Why Is the Gaza Ceasefire Still Tense Despite Claims of a Truce?
Despite claims of a ceasefire in Gaza, violence and tensions continue to flare. Many wonder why peace remains elusive and what obstacles are blocking progress. Below, we explore the key issues keeping Gaza unstable, the impact on aid and border crossings, and what both sides are accusing each other of. Understanding these factors is crucial to grasping the ongoing conflict and the fragile state of peace in the region.
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What’s Next in the Gaza Conflict and Peace Efforts?
The Gaza conflict remains complex and volatile, with ongoing violence despite attempts at ceasefire. Many are wondering what the future holds—will there be a lasting peace, and what efforts are underway to de-escalate the situation? Here’s what you need to know about the current state of Gaza, the prospects for peace, and the challenges ahead.
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Why Is Violence Still Happening in Gaza Despite the Ceasefire?
Despite a ceasefire agreement aimed at ending hostilities, violence in Gaza continues. Many wonder why clashes persist and what obstacles are preventing a lasting peace. Below, we explore the key reasons behind ongoing violence, the challenges to disarming Hamas, and what international efforts are doing to rebuild Gaza and promote peace.
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Why Is the Gaza Ceasefire Still Fragile?
The Gaza ceasefire, brokered in October 2025, remains fragile despite international efforts. Ongoing violence, stalled peace negotiations, and political disagreements continue to threaten stability. Many wonder what makes this ceasefire so delicate and whether peace can truly be achieved. Below, we explore the key issues affecting Gaza's fragile peace and what might happen next.
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What’s the Current Status of the Gaza Ceasefire?
The Gaza ceasefire, brokered in October 2025, remains fragile amid ongoing violence and political deadlock. Despite efforts by the US and regional players, clashes continue, and peace efforts face significant hurdles. People want to know: Is the ceasefire holding? Why is it so fragile? And what’s being done to bring lasting peace? Below, we answer these key questions and explore the latest developments in Gaza.
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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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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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 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
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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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The Palestinian people, also referred to as Palestinians or Palestinian Arabs, are an ethnonational group comprising the modern descendants of the peoples who have lived in Palestine continuously over the centuries and who today are largely culturally and
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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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The United Nations is an intergovernmental organization that aims to maintain international peace and security, develop friendly relations among nations, achieve international cooperation, and be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations.
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The United States of America, commonly known as the United States or America, is a country mostly located in central North America, between Canada and Mexico.
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Nickolai Evtimov Mladenov is a Bulgarian politician and diplomat who served as the minister of foreign affairs in the government of then prime minister Boyko Borisov from 2010 to 2013.
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Egypt, officially the Arab Republic of Egypt, is a transcontinental country spanning the northeast corner of Africa and southwest corner of Asia by a land bridge formed by the Sinai Peninsula.
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The Gaza Health Ministry (GHM), officially the Palestinian Ministry of Health – Gaza, is responsible for managing healthcare and medical services in the Gaza Strip. The health ministry's casualty reports have received significant attention during the...
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Prabowo Subianto Djojohadikusumo is an Indonesian politician, businessman and former Army lieutenant General who is the currently-appointed Minister of Defence of the Republic of Indonesia.
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Indonesia, officially the Republic of Indonesia, is a country in Southeast Asia and Oceania, between the Indian and Pacific oceans. It consists of more than seventeen thousand islands, including Sumatra, Java, Borneo, Sulawesi, and New Guinea. Indonesia i
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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: