What's happened
As of October 26, 2025, a US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza remains fragile amid ongoing tensions. Despite the truce starting on October 10, both sides accuse each other of violations, including Israeli airstrikes killing dozens of Palestinians and Hamas attacks killing Israeli soldiers. Aid deliveries have been intermittently halted and resumed. Negotiations continue involving US and regional mediators on disarmament and governance.
What's behind the headline?
Fragility of the Ceasefire
The ceasefire in Gaza is precarious, with repeated violations undermining its stability. Israeli strikes in response to attacks that killed soldiers have resulted in significant Palestinian casualties, while Hamas denies responsibility for some incidents, citing fractured control over armed factions.
Political and Security Complexities
Disarming Hamas remains a contentious issue. Hamas insists on retaining arms until a comprehensive political agreement is reached, rejecting unilateral disarmament. The US and Israel push for disarmament as essential for lasting peace, but Hamas's governance role complicates this, unlike other armed groups that disarmed without governing territories.
Humanitarian and Diplomatic Challenges
Aid flow into Gaza is inconsistent, with Israel intermittently halting deliveries citing ceasefire violations. This exacerbates humanitarian concerns amid widespread destruction and famine risks. Regional actors like Egypt and Qatar mediate talks, while US envoys engage with Israeli leadership to sustain the truce.
Forecast and Implications
Without clear progress on disarmament and governance, the ceasefire risks collapse. Continued violence and mutual distrust could reignite full-scale conflict. The international community's role in enforcing agreements and supporting reconstruction will be critical. For residents, the fragile peace offers a tentative respite but little certainty of lasting stability.
What the papers say
The South China Morning Post reports on the ongoing ceasefire and recent Israeli strikes targeting Islamic Jihad members, noting the entry of Egyptian officials into Gaza to assist with hostage recovery. The New Arab provides in-depth analysis of the political complexities, highlighting US President Donald Trump's warnings to Hamas and the group's insistence on retaining arms until a national consensus is reached. The New Arab also features Hamas political bureau member Mohammad Nazzal emphasizing the need for Palestinian dialogue and rejecting imposed disarmament.
The Japan Times quotes US Vice President JD Vance praising the ceasefire's progress but echoing threats of obliteration if Hamas fails to cooperate. Al Jazeera details the humanitarian impact, including Israeli strikes killing civilians and the challenges in aid delivery, while also reporting on internal Gaza tensions and clashes involving Hamas security forces.
The Independent and South China Morning Post describe the reopening of border crossings for aid and the fluctuating enforcement of the ceasefire following violent incidents. Gulf News and SBS highlight the first major test of the ceasefire with Israeli strikes after the killing of two soldiers, and the subsequent diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions.
Together, these sources illustrate a complex and fragile ceasefire marked by violence, political disputes over disarmament, humanitarian challenges, and ongoing diplomatic negotiations involving the US, regional actors, and Palestinian factions.
How we got here
The ceasefire, brokered by the US and initiated on October 10, 2025, ended over two years of war between Israel and Hamas. It includes hostage exchanges, Israeli troop withdrawals to a 'Yellow Line' inside Gaza, and plans for disarming Hamas and establishing international governance. However, implementation has been challenged by mutual accusations of ceasefire breaches and violence.
Go deeper
- What are the main challenges to the Gaza ceasefire holding?
- How is the US involved in mediating the Israel-Hamas truce?
- What are the humanitarian conditions in Gaza under the ceasefire?
Common question
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What’s the Latest on the Israel-Gaza Conflict and Ceasefire?
The Israel-Gaza conflict remains highly volatile, with recent strikes and ceasefire tensions making headlines worldwide. Many are wondering what’s happening right now, whether the ceasefire is holding, and what both sides are saying. Below, we answer the most common questions about the current situation, helping you stay informed amid ongoing developments.
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Why Is the Gaza Ceasefire Facing a Major Test Now?
The Gaza ceasefire brokered by the US is currently under intense pressure, with recent violence threatening to unravel months of fragile peace. Understanding what’s happening on the ground, why tensions are rising, and what might come next is crucial. Below, we explore the key questions about the current situation, the causes of recent clashes, and the role of international mediators in trying to maintain peace.
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Is the Gaza ceasefire holding or breaking down?
The Gaza ceasefire brokered in October 2025 has brought a fragile pause to ongoing conflict, but recent events suggest tensions remain high. Many are wondering whether the truce is sustainable or if it’s on the verge of collapse. Below, we explore the current state of the ceasefire, what’s causing the recent strains, and what the future might hold for Gaza and the region.
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What’s the Latest on the Gaza-Israel Conflict and Ceasefire?
The Gaza-Israel conflict remains a complex and evolving situation, with recent developments highlighting the fragile nature of the ceasefire and ongoing tensions. People are asking about the history, current events, and what might happen next. Here are the key facts and answers to your most pressing questions about this ongoing crisis.
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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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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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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Jared Corey Kushner is an American investor, real-estate developer, and newspaper publisher who is currently senior advisor to his father-in-law, Donald Trump, the President of the United States.
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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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Steven Charles Witkoff is an American real estate investor and landlord based in New York City, and founder of the Witkoff Group.
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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 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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Ron Dermer is an American-born Israeli political consultant and diplomat who currently serves as the Israeli Ambassador to the United States.
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Khalil al-Hayya is a senior Hamas official who was elected to the Palestinian Legislative Council on 25 January 2006 as a representative of Gaza City. He resides in the neighborhood of Shuja'iyya.
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