Six months after a Gaza ceasefire took effect, the agreement has become increasingly overshadowed by a new and fragile truce linked to the Iran conflict, leaving key provisions of the original deal largely unimplemented.
The ceasefire, which halted the most intense phase of fighting between Israeli forces and Hamas-led militants in the Gaza Strip, has yet to deliver on major commitments, including Hamas’ disarmament, the end of its governance role, the deployment of an international stabilization force, and the launch of large-scale reconstruction efforts.
Residents in the territory remain in dire conditions, with limited humanitarian access reportedly entering through a single Israeli-controlled crossing, while vast displacement camps and damaged infrastructure continue to define daily life for Gaza’s 2 million people.
International aid groups say the humanitarian situation has worsened since the escalation of the Iran war, warning that progress on aid delivery has stalled and that conditions continue to deteriorate.
“During the first two weeks of March 2026, trucks entering Gaza declined by 80%, and the price of basic goods increased dramatically,” five aid organisations said in a recent assessment, adding that medical evacuations have also largely halted.
Palestinians in affected areas described worsening living conditions despite the ceasefire. “There is pollution and disease. It’s as if there’s no ceasefire at all,” said Maysa Abu Jedian, a displaced resident from Beit Lahiya. Another resident, Eyad Abu Dagga, said: “The war is still ongoing and life is still terrible as it is.”
While large-scale combat has reduced, Israeli forces have continued limited strikes and operations near military zones, while militant groups have also carried out attacks, with both sides accusing each other of ceasefire violations.
Gaza’s Health Ministry says hundreds have been killed since the truce began, with overall war casualties exceeding 72,000 since the conflict erupted following the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack on Israel.
The wider diplomatic push for peace has also lost momentum amid shifting regional crises, particularly the Iran war and renewed tensions involving Hezbollah in Lebanon, which have drawn attention and resources away from Gaza.
Observers warn that the lack of sustained international pressure could further stall implementation of the ceasefire agreement, including key humanitarian and security provisions.
