Gaza Ceasefire Strained as Violence Resurfaces

Months after a ceasefire agreement aimed to end a two-year conflict, violence is escalating in Gaza, raising concerns about the fragility of the truce. While initial steps like the reopening of the Rafah border crossing offered a glimmer of hope, recent Israeli strikes have resulted in numerous Palestinian casualties, prompting questions about the future of the peace process.

Recent Escalation of Violence

On Wednesday, February 18, 2026, Israeli strikes in Gaza killed at least 23 Palestinians, including two infants, according to health officials in the territory AP News. These strikes, occurring after a period of relative calm, have significantly strained the ceasefire. Prior to this, on February 4, 2026, several Palestinians were killed in Israeli military strikes, including a few-month-old girl AP News. An Israeli army strike on a building in Gaza City on Friday, February 12, 2026, followed a warning issued to those inside, though no casualties were reported as the area had been previously evacuated AP News.

Ceasefire Challenges and Negotiations

The current ceasefire began months ago, following a 20-point plan introduced by the White House to end the two-year war NPR. Israel initially accepted the first phase of the plan, which involved a limited troop pullback tied to a hostage handover, but conditioned this acceptance on Hamas’s disarmament NPR. Delegations from Israel, Hamas, the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar met in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, on October 6, 2025, to discuss the implementation of the plan NPR.

Border Crossing Issues and Humanitarian Aid

The Rafah border crossing briefly reopened on Monday, February 1, 2026, for limited movement of people, hailed as a positive step AP News. Though, Palestinian passage through the crossing has been hampered by delays, interrogations, and uncertainty regarding who would be permitted to cross. Medical evacuees continue to arrive at a UAE-funded floating field hospital in El-Arish, Egypt AP News.

Previous Ceasefire Developments

A ceasefire was initially sealed on January 19, 2025, with mediation from Egypt, Qatar, and the United States Wikipedia. However, following Hamas’s refusal to accept a US ceasefire extension proposal on March 2, 2025, Israel ceased the entry of aid to Gaza, a move condemned by Egypt, Qatar, and the United Nations as a violation of the ceasefire agreement Wikipedia.

Looking Ahead

The recent surge in violence casts doubt on the long-term viability of the ceasefire. The situation remains highly volatile, and the success of ongoing negotiations will depend on the commitment of all parties to de-escalation and a genuine pursuit of a lasting peace. The need for continued diplomatic efforts and increased humanitarian aid is paramount.