Deir al-Balah, Gaza – A fragile hope flickers amidst the devastation, as the announced progression to the second phase of the ceasefire feels, to some, like a symbolic gesture. Prime Minister Netanyahu publicly questioned the significance of the Palestinian governing committee revealed as part of the agreement, suggesting it was more statement than substantial change.
The skepticism stems from a deeply personal plea made to Netanyahu by the parents of Ran Gvili, an Israeli police officer whose remains are still held in Gaza. They implored the Prime Minister to halt further progress on the ceasefire until their son is returned, a sentiment echoed by the Hostage and Missing Families Forum. Netanyahu assured them that securing his return remains a paramount concern.
While the second phase represents a step forward, critical details remain shrouded in uncertainty. The composition of the proposed Palestinian governing committee – intended to be apolitical and comprised of experts – and the formation of an international “Board of Peace” are still being defined, even as coordination with Israel continues behind the scenes.
Beyond the political structures, practical challenges loom large. The timing of international force deployment, the reopening of the vital Rafah border crossing, and the daunting tasks of disarming Hamas and rebuilding Gaza all lack concrete timelines and plans. These are not merely logistical hurdles, but represent fundamental shifts in the landscape of the conflict.
On the ground in Gaza, the announced progress offers little immediate relief. Residents, displaced and enduring harsh winter conditions, express profound doubt that phase two will translate into tangible improvements. Samed Abu Rawagh, forced from his home in Jabaliya, described a relentless cycle of suffering, even within the confines of temporary shelters.
More than 450 people have been killed since the initial ceasefire agreement in October, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, including over 100 children. This brings the total Palestinian death toll since the start of the offensive to a staggering 71,441, a number independently considered reliable despite being compiled by the Hamas-run government.
Hamza Abu Shahab, from Khan Younis, voiced a common sentiment: a desperate need for concrete aid – food, fuel, and medical care – rather than promises. He and others yearn for the possibility of returning home, but fear the news may prove to be “empty words.” The hope is fragile, balanced against years of hardship.
Gaza’s population, exceeding two million, faces a brutal winter compounded by shortages of aid and inadequate shelter. This marks the third winter since the conflict erupted on October 7th, 2023, when militants crossed into southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the abduction of 251 others.
The second phase of the ceasefire confronts far more complex issues than the first. Disarming Hamas, a deeply entrenched military force, and establishing a new governance structure after nearly two decades of its rule present monumental challenges. The United Nations estimates reconstruction will require over $50 billion, a sum that remains largely unpledged.
Hamas has indicated a willingness to dissolve its existing government to facilitate the transition, but the fate of its military wing and the future of its extensive network of civil servants remain unclear. While welcoming the announcement of the committee as a step towards Palestinian statehood, the group offered no specifics on these critical questions.
Israel maintains its demand for Hamas’s complete disarmament, a condition the group’s leaders have consistently rejected, asserting the “right to resist.” This fundamental disagreement underscores the immense obstacles that lie ahead, even as the world hopes for a lasting peace.
