Gaza After the Ceasefire: Reconstruction, Justice and Security in 2026

Rubble chokes the streets of Gaza City. Families pick through shattered homes under grey January skies in 2026. The US-proposed ceasefire kicked off on 10 October 2025. It brought partial hostage releases and Israeli pulls back from some spots. Aid trucks now rumble in more often. Yet fragility hangs heavy. Recent firefights in Rafah and strikes that killed militants remind all of thin peace.

Partial wins mark phase one. Hamas freed living hostages and bodies. Israel let detainees go and eased its grip on parts of Gaza. But violations persist. Both sides point fingers. This post looks at daily life shifts from ceasefire phases. It covers the National Committee for Gaza Administration (NCAG) and Board of Peace (BoP) driving rebuilds. Justice stays absent. Security hinges on Hamas disarmament and an International Stabilisation Force (ISF). Paths to stability emerge if all commit.

What the ceasefire phases mean for daily life in Gaza

Phase one started strong after October 2025. Hamas handed over all living hostages and remains of 27 dead ones. One set, IDF soldier Ran Gvili’s, still waits. Israel freed over 1,900 Palestinian prisoners. The IDF withdrew to a “yellow line,” holding 53 to 58 per cent of Gaza. Aid flowed better. Trucks crossed borders with food, water and medicine. Markets in Khan Younis flickered back to life. A mother hugs her released son after months apart. Bread sellers call out again.

Yet calm feels temporary. UN Resolution 2803 backs the plan. Past ceasefires crumbled. Phase two launched on 14 January 2026. US envoy Steve Witkoff and President Trump pushed it. Goals include full IDF exit, Hamas disarmament and ISF takeover. People sense less shelling. Children play near borders once too dangerous. But tense patrols keep nerves on edge. Unresolved remains fuel anger. Families wait for closure.

For details on the phase two launch, check US plan for Gaza’s transitional authority.

Phase one’s wins and ongoing risks

Hostage swaps eased pain. Hamas met most terms. Israel released detainees in waves. Partial withdrawals opened areas. Aid surged, though uneven. UN notes huge needs linger.

Risks mount fast. Palestinian groups logged 78 plus violations. Israel hit back. A Rafah tank attack came on 13 January. Strikes killed PIJ commander Ashraf al-Khatib and three IDF soldiers. Gazans feel unsafe. A shopkeeper in Deir al-Balah locks up early. Parents keep kids indoors. Safety hangs by a thread.

Phase two: Steps toward handover and calm

This phase aims big. Hamas must surrender weapons. IDF pulls out fully. ISF steps in for security. BoP oversees from above. No firm troop pledges for ISF yet. Hamas resists. New commanders eye fights.

The BBC reports on phase two’s technocratic government. It ties to New York Declaration hints at Palestinian state paths. Picture quiet streets. Trucks haul concrete for homes. Fishermen cast nets without fear. Calm could spread if steps hold.

Reconstruction efforts: Turning rubble into homes and hope

Rubble piles high after two years of war. NCAG leads the charge. This technocratic body mixes Palestinian and global experts. It handles aid and daily governance. BoP, chaired by Trump, guides from high levels. France pledges forces for support. Reformed Palestinian Authority eyes a role.

Urgent tasks fill days. Clear debris from streets. Rebuild homes for displaced families. Fix schools so kids learn. Stock hospitals with drugs. Jobs spring up in construction crews. A father hauls bricks, earns pay for the first time in months. Water pipes flow clean again.

No set funding yet. Global calls grow loud. After 100 ceasefire days, needs scream. Homes shelter half a million. Schools teach thousands. Plans promise quick wins. Bulldozers rumble. Scaffolds rise.

NCAG and BoP: Who runs the rebuild

NCAG runs the ground game. It fixes water systems. Clinics open doors. Experts from abroad bring skills. A team drills wells in Beit Lahia. Power lines spark back on.

BoP sets the vision. It steers big choices. Palestinian voices mix with world input. Simple steps build trust. Locals see change fast.

Global pledges: Aid that could change everything

France steps up first. It backs NCAG and rebuilds. Calls echo for more funds. Past aid blocks taught hard lessons.

Imagine tents fold away. Families unlock old doors. Kids chase balls in rebuilt yards. Pledges turn words to walls.

Justice challenges: Holding wrongdoers to account

Plans skip clear justice. No ICC probes. No tribunals named. Victims on both sides cry out. War crimes claims stack high. Trust crumbles without fairness.

Palestinians mourn 394 to 450 dead from IDF actions. Israelis grieve hostages lost. Both demand answers. A widow in Gaza buries her child. A family in Israel lights candles for the missing.

Reformed PA could help. Political deals might bridge gaps. Compassion guides talks. Short paths lead nowhere. Full truth heals slow. Calls grow for steps that fit all pains.

The Security Council forecast covers Middle East tensions. It stresses accountability needs.

Security for the future: No more rockets or raids

Demilitarisation stands central. Hamas scraps all weapons. No rockets arc over borders. IDF holds a yellow line for now. ISF plans take over.

Hamas signals resistance. Reports show fight plans. Israel demands full compliance. Secure markets buzz. Kids kick footballs in open fields.

Mutual steps build walls of peace.

Demilitarisation and border watches

Hamas faces surrender calls. All arms go. Violations persist. ISF could patrol borders. No pledges lock in troops yet. Tanks roll less. Quiet guards hope.

Path to lasting peace agreements

Statehood talks link in. France and US back paths. Compliance opens doors. Agreements promise no repeat wars.

Conclusion

Ceasefire phases hold fragile ground. Phase one freed many. Phase two tests wills with NCAG rebuilds and ISF security. Justice gaps yawn wide. Security demands disarmament.

Global will decides if rubble turns to homes. Gaza could thrive with kids in schools and markets full. Follow CurratedBrief for updates. What steps will you support? Peace waits on action.