Hamas has stated that the ceasefire cannot advance while Israel continues what it describes as repeated violations of the agreement. According to Gaza authorities, the truce has been breached at least 738 times since it came into force in October. Husam Badran, a senior Hamas official, urged mediators to intensify pressure on Israel to fully uphold its obligations.
“The next stage cannot proceed while the Israeli occupation persists in violating the agreement and avoiding its commitments,” Badran said.
He added that Hamas has requested mediators to “ensure the occupation completes the implementation of the first phase.”
The ceasefire, enacted on October 10, centers on exchanging captives held in Gaza for Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons, alongside a partial withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip.
However, issues surrounding the subsequent phase of the deal remain unresolved. These include the future governance of Gaza, the possible deployment of an international stabilization force, and the creation of a proposed “board of peace.”
Meanwhile, tensions continue to rise among Palestinians and the broader international community as Israeli military operations persist. The Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza reports that Israeli attacks since the ceasefire began have killed at least 377 people and injured 987 others.
Negotiations Advance, but Major Obstacles Persist
A United States official says that talks on the next phase of the ceasefire are progressing, though significant challenges remain.
According to the official, Washington anticipates that the first elements of an international stabilization force could be deployed in early 2026. Current discussions focus on which countries would contribute troops, the command structure of such a mission, and its rules of engagement. Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair has reportedly been removed from the proposed “board of peace,” a US-backed body intended to oversee reconstruction efforts in Gaza.
The official emphasized that the ceasefire plan endorsed by the United Nations Security Council requires both a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and the disarmament of Hamas. They also noted that talks are under way to establish a police force composed of Gaza residents.
The US, the official added, is aware of growing demands for increased humanitarian access and is working to remove obstacles to aid delivery.
In parallel, UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric responded to comments by Israeli Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, who claimed that the “yellow line” indicating Israeli-controlled areas inside Gaza amounts to a “new border.” Israeli forces currently remain in roughly 58 percent of the territory following their partial pullback to this line. Under the ceasefire agreement, Israel is expected to withdraw fully, though no timeline has been set.
Reports of Further Israeli Strikes
The Israeli military has carried out an air strike and artillery bombardments in areas of Khan Younis still under its control. No casualties have been reported. In northern Gaza, Israeli forces have continued demolishing buildings in Beit Lahiya.
“These actions represent a clear breach of international humanitarian law and intentionally undermine the essence of the ceasefire and its humanitarian protocol,” Gaza authorities said in a statement.
According to Gaza’s health authorities, Israeli military operations since October 2023 have resulted in at least 70,366 deaths and 171,064 injuries among Palestinians.
Israeli figures indicate that 1,139 people were killed during the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, during which more than 200 individuals were taken captive.