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Six months on, Gaza's fragile truce leaves civilians in limbo
Nearly half a year after a ceasefire halted fighting in Gaza, Palestinians face worsening shortages, soaring prices, and stalled reconstruction efforts as regional tensions divert global attention. Humanitarian agencies warn that basic survival, not recovery, remains the priority.
Supply chains disrupted by Iran-Israel conflict
Merchants report that goods imported from Israel have dwindled since the outbreak of hostilities between Iran and Israel in late February. Prices for essential items have doubled, according to shoppers like Hassan Faqawi, who lamented, "What does the war between Iran and Israel have to do with us? Gaza is forgotten."
Israeli authorities, represented by the Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (Cogat), deny aid restrictions, accusing Hamas of diverting resources for military purposes.
Trump peace plan's disarmament demands spark resistance
At the UN Security Council this week, Nickolay Mladenov, the US-led Board of Peace's High Representative for Gaza, unveiled a detailed proposal requiring Palestinian armed groups to decommission weapons-starting with rockets and heavy munitions-as a precondition for reconstruction. Compliance would trigger an Israeli troop withdrawal over six to nine months.
"The laying down of arms would represent a decisive break from cycles of violence that have defined life in Gaza for decades,"
Nickolay Mladenov, UN Security Council briefing
A Palestinian official familiar with Hamas's stance told the BBC the group is likely to reject the plan, citing concerns that Mladenov's framework prioritizes Israel's security demands over Palestinian sovereignty. Hamas leader Bassem Naim criticized the proposal as a departure from the October 2025 Sharm el-Sheikh agreement and UN Resolution 2803, which endorsed the Trump administration's peace initiative.
Humanitarian crisis deepens amid stalled infrastructure repairs
Despite pledges of "full aid" under the Trump plan, reconstruction materials remain blocked by Israel over fears they could be repurposed for military use. Heavy rains in recent weeks have overwhelmed sewage systems in overcrowded tent camps, exacerbating health risks.
Bushra Khalidi, Oxfam's Policy Lead in Ramallah, described the situation as "basic survival", noting that negotiations for even minor concessions-such as reopening a crossing or securing fuel-consume most of humanitarian agencies' efforts. "Progress toward recovery is limited and almost nonexistent," she said.
Hamas tightens grip as technocratic committee stalls
While Hamas publicly endorsed a 15-member Palestinian technocratic committee to temporarily govern Gaza, sources report the group is reasserting control. The Hamas-run Interior Ministry has restructured its security apparatus, deploying new police patrols and establishing checkpoints after dark. Witnesses describe masked men in military uniforms stopping vehicles and pedestrians.
Traders complain of new taxes imposed by Hamas, further inflating prices. Displaced resident Hanaa told the BBC, "No one is controlling Gaza except Hamas. We pray for peace and for the national committee to take over."
A senior official from the National Committee for Gaza Administration, which answers to the Board of Peace, confirmed no timeline exists for the committee's return to Gaza. Meanwhile, 5,000 Palestinian police officers trained in Egypt await deployment alongside an International Stabilization Force.
Ceasefire holds but strikes persist
Despite the truce, Israeli airstrikes have continued, killing dozens of Palestinians, including children, since late February. Israel claims the strikes target Hamas operatives, with military wing commanders and police officers among the dead.
Diplomatic deadlock fuels skepticism
Amjad Iraqi, a Senior Analyst at the International Crisis Group, warned of waning momentum, noting that mediators' focus on the Iran-Israel conflict has sidelined Gaza. "There's still a lot of distrust about whether this program can move forward," he said.
Palestinian envoy Riyad Mansour remains optimistic, emphasizing Mladenov's determination and the $7 billion pledged for reconstruction at a Washington meeting last month. However, Mansour acknowledged the process is in its "beginning" stages, with 200,000 temporary housing units planned for the strip.
For Gazans, the ceasefire offers a fleeting glimpse of stability-but setbacks and regional distractions leave many fearing the Trump plan may collapse before delivering lasting change.
