A ceasefire agreement reached in October was supposed to halt hostilities in Gaza, but Palestinian civilians continue to face Israeli military strikes. Homes, tents for displaced families, and even funerals have been targeted, with the death toll climbing steadily. The disconnect between the declared truce and the ongoing violence has left many questioning the deal's effectiveness. Main Developments Israel's military operations in Gaza have persisted despite the ceasefire that began in October. The Israeli army says it is targeting Hamas fighters, but Gaza's Health Ministry reports that most of those killed are women and children. Nothing appears off limits—strikes have hit residential buildings, displacement camps, and funeral gatherings. The United Nations has described the situation as a nightmare that is difficult to reconcile with the existence of a truce. Meanwhile, negotiations to move the ceasefire into its next phase have stalled, leaving the deal in limbo. Read also: 3 key factors shaping the World Cup final amid wildfire smoke Background The October ceasefire followed months of Israel's genocidal war on Gaza, which had already caused massive destruction and loss of life. The agreement was intended to pause hostilities and allow for humanitarian relief, but it has not stopped Israeli attacks. Palestinians who endured the earlier phase of the war are still being targeted under the so-called truce. Key analysts, including Haaretz columnist Gideon Levy and former PLO communicators director Xavier Abu Eid, have highlighted the gap between the ceasefire's promise and the reality on the ground. The UN has echoed these concerns, noting that civilians remain trapped in violence. Why It Matters The failure of the ceasefire undermines trust in diplomatic solutions and raises questions about Israel's commitment to de-escalation. For Palestinians in Gaza, it means continued loss of life, displacement, and destruction. The international community faces pressure to address the gap between stated agreements and actual military actions. If talks remain stalled, the ceasefire could collapse entirely, leading to a renewed full-scale conflict. The targeting of civilians also fuels accusations of war crimes and complicates future peace efforts. What's Next Negotiations for the next phase of the ceasefire deal have not resumed, with no clear timeline for progress. Israel continues to justify its attacks as necessary for security, while Hamas has not publicly responded to the recent escalation. International mediators may need to intervene to salvage the truce or face a return to broader hostilities.