A US-brokered ceasefire was supposed to end the war in Gaza. A year later, progress has stalled

A year after a US-brokered ceasefire aimed to quell the war in Gaza, Israel persistently carries out lethal strikes in the region. Initially, the agreement brokered by President Donald Trump and Arab allies promised to cease military operations, free hostages, and enhance humanitarian access. However, the ceasefire has failed to achieve these promises, and Israel links any progress to Hamas' complete disarmament, while Hamas insists on simultaneous disarmament and an end to Israel's control over the territory.

After the 20-point ceasefire agreement, Hamas led militants killed around 1,200 people and abducted 251 during the Oct. 7, 2023, attack that sparked the conflict. Israel responded with a significant bombardment and a ground invasion, resulting in over 74,000 Palestinian casualties, according to the Hamas-run government's Gaza Health Ministry.

The ministry maintains detailed records and is considered generally reliable by UN agencies and independent experts. Despite the ceasefire, Israel has barred the new Palestinian administration from entering Gaza via Egypt and has seized more territory, pushing the yellow Line of Control westward toward the Mediterranean Sea. Israeli strikes have killed more than 1,400 Palestinians since the ceasefire took effect, while sporadic attacks have claimed the lives of five Israeli soldiers.

The ongoing tensions have left Gaza's 2 million Palestinians in a precarious situation, with many seeking refuge in makeshift tent camps, the remnants of their former homes, or war-damaged structures at risk of collapse.