What's happened
As of early November 2025, a US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas holds tenuously amid ongoing violence and political tensions. Hamas has returned all surviving hostages and some bodies, but delays in handing over deceased hostages threaten the truce. Gaza remains devastated, with urgent aid and infrastructure repair underway, while complex diplomacy over Gaza's governance and security continues.
What's behind the headline?
Complex Ceasefire Dynamics
The ceasefire brokered by the US is fragile, sustained by intense diplomatic efforts amid deep mistrust. Hamas's refusal to fully disarm and its insistence on limited international force mandates reveal its intent to maintain influence in Gaza. Israel's right-wing coalition's push for West Bank annexation threatens to undermine peace prospects, complicating the political landscape.
Humanitarian Crisis and Reconstruction
Gaza's infrastructure is devastated, with over 90% of homes damaged and critical services like water and sanitation crippled. The UN and aid agencies face a massive task to restore basic dignity and services, with a 60-day plan to deliver food and rebuild health and education sectors. However, border closures and security concerns slow aid flow.
Political Fragmentation and Governance Challenges
Hamas's rejection of West Bank Palestinian Authority control and preference for a technocratic interim government complicate governance plans. The absence of a robust international stabilization force leaves a security vacuum, risking renewed violence. Netanyahu's conditions for PA involvement and internal Israeli politics further cloud Gaza's future.
Forecast
Without clear enforcement mechanisms and political compromises, the ceasefire risks collapse. The ongoing exchange of hostages and bodies is a critical trust test. Reconstruction will require sustained international commitment, but political fragmentation and security concerns will challenge long-term stability. The situation remains volatile, with potential for escalation if diplomatic efforts falter.
What the papers say
Marc Champion of Bloomberg highlights the diplomatic tightrope, noting that "neither side believes the war is over" and that Hamas has "not disarmed as it's supposed to," maintaining control over nearly half of Gaza. He points to Israel's right-wing coalition advancing West Bank annexation legislation, which "would likely torpedo Trump's plan for Gaza."
The New York Post reports on Trump's 48-hour ultimatum for Hamas to return deceased hostages, quoting him: "Hamas is going to have to start returning the bodies... or the other Countries involved in this GREAT PEACE will take action." It also details Hamas working with Egyptian teams to locate bodies, underscoring tensions over the ceasefire's implementation.
The Independent provides a broader humanitarian and political overview, describing the scale of destruction with "some 90 per cent of homes estimated to have been damaged or destroyed" and outlining plans for a "technocratic, apolitical Palestinian committee" to govern Gaza temporarily. It notes Netanyahu's insistence on "fundamental" reforms before accepting Palestinian Authority involvement.
The Japan Times and South China Morning Post offer vivid descriptions of the devastation, with UN relief coordinator Tom Fletcher calling the task ahead a "massive, massive job" to restore sanitation and dignity. They report ongoing aid deliveries despite border closures and highlight incidents of violence despite the ceasefire.
The New Arab adds detail on the exchange of bodies and hostages, noting that returned bodies show signs of torture and that Israel has released some 2,000 Palestinian detainees. It also reports on the continued Israeli military actions near the ceasefire's 'yellow line,' illustrating the fragile security situation.
Together, these sources paint a picture of a ceasefire holding under strain, with humanitarian needs immense and political solutions elusive. The coverage balances diplomatic, humanitarian, and security perspectives, emphasizing the complexity and fragility of the current situati
How we got here
The ceasefire followed a brutal conflict ignited by Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, which led to massive casualties and hostages taken. US President Donald Trump brokered a truce requiring Hamas to disarm and cede Gaza governance, with Israel withdrawing to a 'yellow line.' Reconstruction and governance plans remain vague amid political rivalries and security concerns.
Go deeper
- What are the main obstacles to lasting peace in Gaza?
- How is the international community involved in Gaza's reconstruction?
- What is the significance of the 'yellow line' in the ceasefire agreement?
Common question
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Gaza Crisis: What’s Happening Now?
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Is the Gaza ceasefire holding right now?
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Is the Gaza Ceasefire Holding or Breaking Down?
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What’s Next for Gaza? Diplomatic, Humanitarian, and Security Outlooks
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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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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 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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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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Thomas Michael Fletcher is an English musician, singer, composer, author and YouTube vlogger. He is one of the lead vocalists and rhythm guitarist of English pop rock band McFly, in addition to being the group's founder.
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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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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: