Ceasefire in Palestine? What Ceasefire?
Background of Ceasefire Agreements
A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has been established multiple times, with the most recent agreement beginning on January 19, 2025. This deal is structured in three stages, with the first stage currently underway.
The agreement aims to release all Israeli detainees in the Gaza Strip, whether civilians or soldiers, and whether alive or otherwise.
Violations and Ongoing Conflict
Despite the ceasefire, Israel has been reported to have violated the agreement at least 1,193 times between October 10, 2025, and January 9, 2026, through continued attacks on Gaza.
On March 18, 2025, Israel launched surprise airstrikes on Gaza, breaking the ceasefire with Hamas. The Israeli government stated that the strikes were carried out in response to security concerns.
International Response and Humanitarian Concerns
The United States has acknowledged the need for a phased approach to the ceasefire, including disarming Hamas and rebuilding infrastructure in Gaza.
Organizations such as Islamic Relief and Amnesty International have emphasized that a ceasefire is only the beginning. True justice requires the end of Israel’s occupation and apartheid policies in Gaza.
Current Status and Future Phases
As of the latest update, Gaza is entering a second phase of the ceasefire plan, with the U.S. envoy stating that the process is moving forward. However, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains unresolved, and the ceasefire has not led to immediate recovery for Palestinians.