What's happened
Since the ceasefire began on October 10, 2025, violence persists in Gaza, with Israeli violations and Palestinian casualties rising. Efforts by US and Egyptian mediators face obstacles, especially over Hamas disarmament. Humanitarian conditions worsen as aid access remains limited and heavy rains cause flooding and displacement.
What's behind the headline?
The ceasefire in Gaza remains fragile despite international efforts. Israel continues to violate the truce through targeted strikes, killing Palestinians and delaying the return of bodies, which hampers trust. The US and Egypt are pushing for a phased implementation, but disagreements over Hamas disarmament and the presence of fighters in tunnels hinder progress. The humanitarian crisis deepens as heavy rains flood shelters and limit aid access, exposing the stark reality of Gaza's decimated infrastructure. The US's focus on redevelopment without addressing disarmament risks prolonging instability, while Israel's insistence on disarmament before moving into the second phase risks further escalation. The situation underscores the difficulty of balancing security concerns with humanitarian needs, and the likelihood is that without significant concessions, the ceasefire will remain tenuous, risking renewed conflict.
What the papers say
The New Arab reports ongoing Israeli violations and casualties, highlighting the persistent violence despite the ceasefire. The article notes that Israel has killed 347 Palestinians and wounded 889 since October 10, with continued attacks and delays in aid access. The New Arab also details US and Egyptian mediators' efforts, including President Trump's call for Israel to be 'a better partner' and the US's focus on redevelopment plans. The articles from The Independent and AP News emphasize the slow progress on prisoner and body exchanges, with delays attributed to Hamas's inability to locate all remains due to rubble and ongoing Israeli strikes. The New York Times provides context on the initial abductions and the broader impact of the war, including the high death toll and the challenges of implementing the ceasefire amid ongoing hostilities. Overall, the coverage illustrates a complex, deteriorating situation where diplomatic efforts are hampered by mutual mistrust and ongoing violence.
How we got here
The conflict escalated after Hamas launched a surprise attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, leading to a two-year war. A US-brokered ceasefire was agreed upon in mid-October 2025, aiming to halt hostilities and facilitate humanitarian aid. However, violations and disagreements over disarmament and prisoner exchanges have challenged its stability.
Go deeper
Common question
-
Why Are There Delays in Returning Bodies in Gaza?
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has led to significant delays in transferring the bodies of hostages and civilians. Both Israel and Hamas blame each other for these delays, which are causing tensions and complicating efforts for peace. Understanding the reasons behind these delays and their impact is crucial for anyone following the situation. Below, we explore common questions about the current humanitarian crisis, the responses from both sides, and what the future might hold.
-
What’s the current status of the Gaza ceasefire?
The Gaza ceasefire, initiated in October 2025, remains fragile amid ongoing violence and humanitarian challenges. While some progress has been made in exchanging bodies and hostages, delays and regional tensions continue to threaten the truce. Heavy rains and displacement worsen the crisis, raising questions about when stability will return. Below, we explore the latest developments and what they mean for Gaza and the wider region.
-
Gaza Conflict Update: What’s Really Happening Now?
The ongoing conflict in Gaza remains complex and tense, with recent Israeli airstrikes, fragile ceasefires, and deep humanitarian concerns. Many people are asking what’s happening on the ground, why violence continues despite efforts to pause hostilities, and how civilians are affected. Below, we answer some of the most common questions about the current situation to help you understand the latest developments and the broader context of this ongoing crisis.
-
Why is the Gaza ceasefire under strain?
The Gaza ceasefire, initially seen as a step towards peace, is now facing significant challenges. Despite efforts by mediators, ongoing violence, disagreements over disarmament, and humanitarian crises are complicating the situation. Many are asking why the ceasefire isn't holding and what obstacles remain to achieving lasting peace in Gaza. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this complex conflict and the efforts to stabilize the region.
-
What’s Happening Globally Today? Key Stories Overview
Stay informed with the latest major news stories from around the world. From ongoing conflicts and political unrest to natural disasters and historic restorations, these headlines highlight the most pressing issues today. Curious about how these events connect or where to find updates? Keep reading for clear, concise answers to your top questions about today’s news.
More on these topics
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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:
-
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
-
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.