Gaza Ceasefire Reaches Six Months Amid Ongoing Challenges and Iran Conflict Distractions

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — Six months have passed since the Gaza ceasefire took effect, marking a pause in the most intense fighting between Israeli forces and Hamas-led militants in the territory of 2 million people. Vast tent camps house much of the population, while others shelter in damaged buildings.

Humanitarian groups report little progress in aid delivery, with medical evacuations stalled and basic goods prices rising.

Israeli forces have conducted airstrikes and fired on Palestinians near military zones, while militants have carried out shooting attacks on troops.

-led 20-point ceasefire plan has seen limited success on humanitarian aspects, according to a scorecard from five international aid groups released Thursday. Aid enters primarily through a single Israeli-controlled border post, with health workers noting insufficient medical supplies.

Disarmament of Hamas and deployment of an international stabilization force remain pending.

The fragile ceasefire in the Iran war, involving U.S. and Israeli actions against Iran, has diverted global attention from Gaza. Confusion over the Iran ceasefire's scope has led to continued Israeli attacks on Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon, which Israel says are outside the deal, while Iran threatens to void the agreement if they persist.

Israel announced Thursday it would authorize direct negotiations with Lebanon despite lacking diplomatic ties.

Humanitarian progress in Gaza has required sustained diplomatic pressure, particularly from the United States, but such efforts have been inconsistent amid the Iran war. Palestinians in camps express ongoing hardship, with pollution, disease, and limited improvements despite the ceasefire.