What's happened
Despite a ceasefire since October 10, Israeli strikes continue in Gaza, with ongoing disputes over disarmament and troop withdrawals. The US plans to deploy a non-combat international force to oversee the next phase, but disagreements over mandates and troop contributions persist amid ongoing violence and political tensions.
What's behind the headline?
The current situation reveals a complex interplay of military, diplomatic, and political factors. The US-led international force aims to stabilize Gaza without engaging in combat, but disagreements over its mandate—particularly regarding disarmament—highlight deep divisions. The reluctance of some countries to commit troops, especially for enforcement roles, underscores the geopolitical sensitivities involved. Israel's continued military actions, despite the ceasefire, threaten to undermine peace efforts and prolong instability. The proposed 'Green Zone' concept and the creation of a new governance framework reflect attempts to reshape Gaza's future, but political questions about sovereignty and control remain unresolved. The next few weeks will be critical in determining whether the international community can bridge these divides and establish a sustainable peace process.
What the papers say
The New Arab reports ongoing Israeli strikes and violations of the ceasefire, emphasizing the persistent military actions and political tensions. The Japan Times highlights the US initiative, the CMCC, as an effort to facilitate aid and monitor ceasefire implementation, though frustrations with Israeli restrictions persist. The Times of Israel details the US plans for a multinational stabilization force, including discussions on troop contributions and mandates, with some countries hesitant due to concerns over disarmament and Israeli vetoes. These sources collectively illustrate the fragile state of peace efforts, the geopolitical complexities, and the ongoing violence that continues to threaten stability in Gaza.
How we got here
The conflict in Gaza escalated after the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel, leading to a devastating war. A fragile ceasefire was established on October 10, but Israeli military operations and blockade policies have persisted. The US has been mediating efforts to stabilize Gaza, including plans for a multinational security force and phased troop withdrawals, amid ongoing disputes over disarmament and sovereignty.
Go deeper
Common question
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What’s Happening in Gaza and the Middle East Right Now?
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What is the current situation in Gaza with recent airstrikes?
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Why Is the US Leading a Peacekeeping Force in Gaza?
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Why Is the Gaza Ceasefire Stalling?
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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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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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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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