A US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect in October 2025, securing the release of remaining hostages and halting large-scale operations, but implementation of subsequent phases has stalled amid disputes over sequencing. Israel, under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has expanded control beyond the initial “yellow line” to roughly 70 percent of Gaza while conducting near-daily strikes targeting alleged Hamas violations or rearmament, killing over 1,400 Palestinians according to Gaza health authorities. Hamas has not disarmed and retains de facto security control in remaining areas despite agreeing to a July 2026 roadmap for phased decommissioning. Netanyahu has rejected simultaneous steps, insisting on complete verifiable disarmament first, creating friction with mediators and the Trump administration. Israel’s October 27 elections and associated political pressures have further complicated progress toward withdrawal, reconstruction, or a new Palestinian administration.