Gaza ceasefire has failed to deliver peace 

October 13, 2026

One year after the Gaza ceasefire came into effect, the return of all Israeli captives remains its biggest achievement. However, the agreement has failed to deliver its wider promises of peace, Israeli military withdrawal, Palestinian self-government and reconstruction. For millions of Palestinians, normal life remains a distant hope.

The ceasefire began on October 10, 2025, after mediation by Egypt, Qatar, Türkiye and the United States. It was expected to end the violence, increase humanitarian aid, allow Israeli forces to withdraw in stages and begin rebuilding Gaza. Yet, most of these goals remain unfulfilled.

The continued Israeli attacks raise serious questions about the value of an agreement that was supposed to protect civilians. Gaza’s Health Ministry says more than 1,470 Palestinians have been killed and over 5,180 injured in Israeli violations during the past year. A ceasefire cannot be considered a success when people continue to lose their lives and live under the threat of further attacks.

The slow withdrawal of Israeli forces is another major concern. According to the United Nations, Israeli control and restrictions affect large parts of Gaza, leaving many Palestinians unable to return to their homes or move freely. Any lasting peace requires a clear and complete withdrawal in line with the agreement.

Meanwhile, plans for Palestinian governance remain incomplete, and the proposed international stabilisation force has yet to be deployed. Gaza cannot move towards recovery without an effective civilian administration that serves its people and helps restore public services.

Reconstruction is equally urgent. The United Nations, European Union and World Bank estimate that rebuilding Gaza will cost $71.4 billion over 10 years. Nearly 1.9 million Palestinians have been displaced, while hundreds of thousands of homes have been damaged or destroyed. Restrictions on humanitarian aid and building materials are making their suffering worse.

The international community must now move beyond statements and ensure that the ceasefire is fully implemented. Israeli attacks must stop, humanitarian access must improve, and displaced families must receive safe shelter, clean water, healthcare and other basic services.