Why has the ‘ceasefire’ in Gaza failed to stop Israel’s attacks?

What Happened

A ceasefire agreed in October 2023 has not stopped Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip. Attacks have targeted residential areas, homes, and tents sheltering displaced people, causing a rising death toll. Israel states it is targeting Hamas fighters, while Gaza’s Health Ministry reports that the majority of those killed are women and children. The United Nations describes Palestinians as ‘stuck in a nightmare that’s difficult to reconcile with the existence of a truce’. Negotiations to advance the deal to its next phase have stalled.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The failure of the ceasefire prolongs the humanitarian catastrophe for over two million Gazans, undermines prospects for a durable truce, and stalls progress on hostage releases. It exposes the fragility of agreements without robust enforcement and risks reigniting full-scale hostilities, impacting regional stability and diplomatic efforts.

Watch For

Resumption of talks mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States; further Israeli operations in Gaza and their impact on civilian areas; updates from the Gaza Health Ministry on casualty figures; international responses, including potential UN Security Council sessions or ICC/ICJ developments related to the conflict.