Months after a U.S.-brokered ceasefire went into effect in October 2025, Gaza remains in a fragile state. Although large-scale fighting has slowed, deadly incidents continue to be reported. On Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at least 24 Palestinians were killed in Israeli strikes, including five children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. At Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, director Mohamed Abu Selmiya questioned the situation in a public post, asking, “Where is the ceasefire? Where are the mediators?”
The current truce followed a war that began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking around 250 hostages. Israel’s military response devastated much of Gaza and left tens of thousands dead.
After months of negotiations, both sides accepted a 20-point ceasefire proposal put forward by U.S. President Donald Trump. The deal led to the release of hostages and prisoners and was intended to open the way for reconstruction and long-term stability.However, progress has been limited, and daily life in Gaza remains difficult.
The reopening of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt raised hopes for easier movement and increased aid, but fewer than 50 people were allowed to cross in its first days. Humanitarian supplies, including food, medicine, and equipment to clear rubble, continue to face delays. According to a report by the Associated Press, customs and security procedures have slowed deliveries, leaving Gaza’s two million residents with limited access to basic services.
Residents say the ceasefire has not brought a sense of safety. Families continue to bury loved ones, and many remain displaced in temporary shelters. Atallah Abu Hadaiyed, who now lives in a camp, said the situation remains unclear. “We don’t know if we’re at war or at peace,” he said.
Both Israel and Hamas accuse each other of violating the agreement. Israel says it is responding to threats near the ceasefire line, while Hamas says Israeli forces have struck residential areas. Despite the accusations, both sides say the truce remains in place.
There have been small signs of progress. The remains of the last hostages have been returned, and a Palestinian committee has been formed to oversee governance and reconstruction in Gaza. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff has called for moving from a temporary ceasefire toward rebuilding, political reform, and demilitarization. But major disagreements remain, including whether Israel will fully withdraw from Gaza and whether Hamas will disarm.
For now, Gaza remains caught between war and peace. While the ceasefire has reduced large-scale fighting, continued violence, delayed aid, and political deadlock highlight how fragile the situation remains. Without concrete steps toward recovery and long-term stability, uncertainty will continue to shape daily life for millions.
