What's happened
As of December 6, 2025, Gaza remains devastated after two years of war with Israel, with over 70,000 Palestinians killed and much of the territory reduced to rubble. A fragile ceasefire has allowed rare moments of hope, such as a mass wedding of 54 couples, but ongoing violence, humanitarian shortages, and political instability persist amid international efforts to stabilize the region.
What's behind the headline?
Gaza's Devastation and the Limits of Ceasefire
The two-year conflict has left Gaza in ruins, with widespread destruction of infrastructure and a staggering death toll exceeding 70,000 Palestinians. Despite a ceasefire, Israeli military actions continue, undermining hopes for lasting peace. The humanitarian situation remains dire, with severe shortages of food, medicine, and shelter materials, compounded by Israeli restrictions on aid deliveries.
Grassroots Resilience Amid Ruins
Gaza's residents, like Khalil, are undertaking exhausting, costly grassroots reconstruction efforts using salvaged materials due to the blockade preventing new supplies. This self-reliance reflects deep skepticism toward international promises to rebuild Gaza, seen as media rhetoric rather than actionable support.
Political and Security Challenges
Hamas remains a potent force, reasserting control and resisting disarmament despite international plans for an International Stabilization Force. Israel's security concerns and distrust of Egypt complicate border crossings and aid flow, while internal Palestinian divisions persist. The US-led coordination center outside Gaza symbolizes foreign oversight but also detachment from the lived realities of Gazans.
The Human Cost and Symbolism of Life
Events like the mass wedding of 54 couples in Khan Younis offer poignant moments of hope and cultural resilience amid devastation. Yet, these are tempered by profound loss and uncertainty about the future. The recovery of bodies from rubble remains a painful, ongoing task for many families, underscoring the war's enduring human toll.
Forecast
Without significant shifts in political will, humanitarian access, and security arrangements, Gaza's recovery will remain fragile. The international community's current approach risks perpetuating control rather than fostering genuine stability. The resilience of Gaza's people will continue to be tested as they rebuild amid uncertainty and ongoing conflict.
What the papers say
The Independent provides a vivid account of Gaza residents like Khalil, who are rebuilding homes with salvaged stones and nylon sheets amid a blockade that restricts new materials, highlighting grassroots resilience but also the immense challenges faced. Sky News' Adam Parsons reports on the fragile ceasefire's limits, noting ongoing Israeli military actions and Hamas's continued strength, emphasizing the precarious security situation and the stalled peace process. The Times of Israel focuses on cultural resilience, detailing a mass wedding of 54 couples in Gaza as a rare moment of hope, while also covering the broader political context, including US-led plans for Gaza's stabilization and the challenges of disarming Hamas. Al Jazeera offers a critical perspective on international involvement, describing the US-led Civil-Military Coordination Center as a form of foreign control aligned with Israel, and documenting ongoing Israeli ceasefire violations and humanitarian restrictions that exacerbate Gaza's suffering. Arab News and The Times of Israel provide personal stories of Palestinians like Ahmed Salim and Iyad Rayan, who await the recovery and burial of loved ones trapped under rubble, illustrating the war's devastating human cost. Together, these sources paint a complex picture of Gaza's ongoing crisis, blending human stories, political analysis, and the challenges of reconstruction and peace.
How we got here
The conflict escalated after Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel, killing over 1,200 civilians and triggering a two-year Israeli military campaign in Gaza. The war caused massive destruction, with over 80% of Gaza's buildings destroyed and tens of thousands of Palestinians killed. A US-brokered ceasefire in October 2025 has brought limited relief but failed to end violence or address the humanitarian crisis.
Go deeper
- What are the main challenges to rebuilding Gaza after the war?
- How is the ceasefire holding up amid ongoing violence?
- What role is the international community playing in Gaza's future?
Common question
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What is the current situation in Gaza after two years of conflict?
Gaza remains a scene of devastation two years after the escalation of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Thousands of civilians are still affected by ongoing destruction, limited access to basic needs, and the emotional toll of loss. Many are asking: what is the current state of Gaza, and what efforts are underway to bring stability and aid to the region? Below, we explore the latest developments, humanitarian efforts, and prospects for peace.
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What’s happening in Gaza after the ceasefire?
Since the ceasefire in Gaza was announced, many are wondering what the current situation really looks like. Is peace holding? What are the long-term prospects for stability? And how are international forces involved now? Below, we answer the most common questions about Gaza’s ongoing crisis and what the future might hold.
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What is the current situation in Gaza after two years of war?
Gaza remains devastated after over two years of ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The region has seen massive destruction, with thousands of lives lost and much of the infrastructure reduced to rubble. Despite the relentless violence, stories of resilience and hope continue to emerge, highlighting the complex human stories behind the headlines. Many are asking: what is the current state of Gaza, and what does the future hold for its people?
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What’s the latest on Gaza’s recovery after the war?
Gaza remains deeply affected by two years of conflict, with widespread destruction and ongoing humanitarian challenges. Despite a fragile ceasefire, recovery efforts face numerous obstacles, raising questions about the future stability and rebuilding of the region. Below, we explore the current situation, signs of hope, and what international aid is doing to help Gaza recover.
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Gaza Conflict and Ceasefire: What's Happening Now?
Gaza remains a focal point of international concern as the region grapples with ongoing violence, a fragile ceasefire, and hopes for lasting peace. With the conflict entering its third year, many are asking what the current situation is, why Gaza remains so devastated, and what the future holds. Here are the key questions and answers to help you understand the latest developments in Gaza.
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How Is the Gaza Conflict Affecting Civilians and What Are the International Responses?
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has led to devastating consequences for civilians, with widespread destruction and humanitarian crises. International efforts aim to stabilize the region, but many questions remain about the impact on everyday lives and the prospects for peace. Below, we explore key questions about the humanitarian and political situation in Gaza today.
More on these topics
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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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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 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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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 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.