Summary

Israel’s continued closure of its border crossings with the Gaza Strip amid ongoing accusations of ceasefire breaches has perpetuated a complex and protracted stalemate in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Since the early 1990s, Israel has enforced strict movement restrictions on Gaza and the West Bank, citing security concerns linked to recurring violence and attacks against Israeli civilians and soldiers. These closures have included both partial and total lockdowns of crossings, severely limiting the flow of goods, people, and humanitarian aid, which has contributed to Gaza’s humanitarian crisis and economic collapse.
The stalemate is intensified by reciprocal accusations of ceasefire violations between Israel, Hamas, and other armed groups. Despite international mediation efforts by the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and others, ceasefires have frequently been fragile and short-lived, with both sides alleging attacks and provocations that undermine trust. The dispute over the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas and the handover of bodies remains a particularly sensitive issue, directly influencing Israel’s refusal to reopen the Rafah border crossing to aid and passage. These factors combine to complicate humanitarian operations and delay progress toward sustainable peace.
The border closures have had severe humanitarian consequences for Gaza’s civilian population. Destruction of infrastructure by Israeli military operations, restrictions on medical supplies and fuel, and limited access to clean water have exacerbated health crises and economic deprivation. Human rights organizations have condemned the blockade as collective punishment, describing Gaza as an “open-air prison,” while international bodies have repeatedly called for the blockade’s lifting and unimpeded humanitarian access.
Politically, the situation remains deeply polarized. Israeli leadership under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu prioritizes security and rejects ceasefires perceived as concessions to Hamas, whereas Hamas demands a comprehensive ceasefire coupled with the release of prisoners and hostages. The international community continues to press for renewed negotiations and durable ceasefire enforcement, but persistent distrust, security concerns, and humanitarian needs ensure that the stalemate remains a critical challenge in the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Background

Since the early 1990s, Israel has maintained a policy of strict closure over the occupied Palestinian territories, including the West Bank and Gaza Strip. This closure policy, initiated in late March 1993 following a series of stabbings inside Israel, has involved sealing off these areas to restrict the movement of Palestinians and goods. Over time, Israel has implemented both general and total closures, the latter preventing even those with valid permits from entering or leaving the territories. This policy reflects ongoing security concerns amid recurrent violence.
Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, cycles of violence and ceasefires between Israel and Palestinian groups in Gaza repeatedly broke down. Notable incidents include Israel’s targeted assassination of Hamas leader Salah Shehada in 2002, carried out hours before a ceasefire was to begin, and the 2012 killing of the head of the Gaza-based Popular Resistance Committees, which triggered further clashes and civilian casualties. These events have perpetuated mistrust and instability, complicating efforts to establish lasting peace.
In addition to military actions, Israel has frequently employed infrastructural measures such as bulldozers to damage infrastructure, causing power outages and further restricting access and movement in Gaza. These actions have compounded humanitarian challenges and contributed to Gaza being described as a “huge prison,” with human rights groups accusing Israel of using blockades to exert political pressure following attacks by armed groups against Israeli civilians and soldiers.
Efforts to negotiate ceasefires and broader agreements have been mediated by regional and international actors, including Egypt, Qatar, the United States, and France. These have resulted in temporary pauses in fighting, hostage exchanges, and limited humanitarian aid deliveries, such as the November 2023 deal allowing up to 200 aid trucks into Gaza daily. Despite these measures, ceasefires have often been fragile and short-lived, with violations from both sides fueling ongoing hostilities.
Negotiations remain complex, with issues such as control of border crossings—including the strategically significant Rafah crossing and the Philadelphi corridor—posing major sticking points. Israel’s reluctance to fully withdraw from Gaza’s borders stems from security concerns, while Palestinian factions seek easing of movement restrictions and humanitarian access. Recent talks in 2024 reflect incremental progress but also illustrate persistent stalemates, with Hamas moderating its demands yet Israel continuing to enforce border closures and movement restrictions under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s directives.

Border Closure Details

Since the early 1990s, Israel has maintained a policy of stringent closures on the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, significantly restricting the movement of Palestinians and goods. Following a series of stabbings inside Israel in March 1993, Israel imposed a general closure on the occupied territories, prohibiting movement except for those holding permits issued by Israeli authorities. At times, “total closure” measures have been enforced, barring even permit holders from entry or exit.
In 1994, Israel constructed the Gaza–Israel barrier as a security measure. However, the Israeli security establishment has described the closure policy as having limited effectiveness against extremist attacks. Presently, four main border crossings between Israel and Gaza operate through the barrier: Kerem Shalom, Karni, Erez, and Sufa. Despite their existence, these crossings have been subject to frequent closures or severe restrictions.
The Rafah crossing, Gaza’s main gateway to Egypt and a critical route for humanitarian aid and medical evacuations, has faced intermittent closures since 2014, often linked to political unrest in Egypt. Although it was mostly operational since mid-2018, it remains closed as of late 2023, with Israeli authorities conditioning its reopening on Hamas handing over the bodies of deceased hostages. The closure of Rafah has drastically limited the inflow of supplies and the evacuation of medical cases, aggravating humanitarian conditions in Gaza.
Since the outbreak of hostilities in October 2023, Israel has restricted aid entry primarily to the Kerem Shalom and Rafah crossings, both located in the south of Gaza. However, Kerem Shalom has frequently been targeted by protests and blockades; on 21 December 2023, Israeli protesters attempted to block this crossing, and in early February 2024, over 130 aid trucks were reportedly prevented from entering Gaza via Kerem Shalom. This situation has resulted in only a trickle of humanitarian assistance reaching Gaza, despite the severe needs on the ground.
The economic consequences of these closures have been profound. In 1996 alone, the World Bank estimated that Gaza suffered losses amounting to nearly 40% of its Gross National Product (GNP) due to the restrictions. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has called for a complete lifting of the Gaza blockade, warning that ongoing closures continue to hinder Gaza’s capacity for self-development.
Amid the fragile ceasefire agreements brokered in late 2023, which included provisions for the entry of humanitarian aid and the release of hostages, the border closures remain a contentious issue. While the ceasefire allowed for up to 200 trucks of aid to enter Gaza daily, actual implementation has been uneven and subject to political conditions and security concerns. The Red Cross’s access to hostages held in Gaza has also been restricted despite terms requiring their visitation by the end of the ceasefire’s initial phase. The persistent closures and limited aid flow underscore the complexity of the stalemate, with both sides accusing each other of ceasefire violations and impeding progress toward a lasting resolution.

Accusations of Ceasefire Breaches

Since the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, brokered by the United States and France, came into effect on Wednesday, both sides have accused each other of violating the truce. Israel reported opening fire on suspected militants moving in southern border areas, describing these as breaches of the ceasefire. In response, Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah accused Israel of attacking people returning to border villages and cited multiple violations by Israel on Wednesday and Thursday. The Lebanese army also condemned Israel for repeated ceasefire breaches during this period. Notably, Israel’s airstrike near Baysariyah north of the Litani River on Thursday marked the first military action since the ceasefire’s initiation.
In Gaza, the ceasefire agreement explicitly requires Hamas and affiliated factions to comply with their obligations, including ensuring that no threats emanate from Gaza toward neighboring regions. Any armed action by Hamas or other factions is considered a violation of the ceasefire. Despite this, Israeli forces reported incidents of attacks involving RPGs and sniper fire against military positions within Israeli-controlled areas east of the “yellow line,” which they labeled as bold ceasefire violations. Hamas rejected these allegations, denying any breach of the ceasefire and accusing Israeli authorities of inciting violence through armed criminal gangs.
The fragile nature of the ceasefire is further underscored by clashes occurring as displaced Palestinians attempt to return to their homes. Israeli troops reportedly opened fire on individuals approaching their positions, resulting in casualties and raising tensions on the ground. Hamas spokespersons condemned these actions, accusing Israel of attempting to evade its commitments under the ceasefire arrangements.
Moreover, the ongoing conflict has seen significant humanitarian repercussions, with Israeli military operations in Gaza since October 2023 leading to widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure and medical facilities. Restrictions on the entry of medical supplies and other critical goods, even those not explicitly labeled as “dual use,” have compounded the crisis. Humanitarian organizations frequently face difficulties securing approval and actual delivery of aid, further exacerbating the situation amid the ceasefire.
The return of hostages and deceased individuals remains a contentious issue that threatens the stability of the ceasefire. While Hamas released all 20 surviving Israeli hostages as part of the agreement, disputes over the retrieval and handover of the bodies of deceased captives continue. This dispute, alongside challenges in delivering humanitarian aid, illustrates the precariousness of the ceasefire and the potential for renewed hostilities.
These developments highlight the deep mistrust and complexity surrounding the ceasefire enforcement. Both Israel and Hamas, as well as Hezbollah, continue to levy accusations of violations, indicating that the ceasefire remains fragile and susceptible to disruption despite international mediation efforts.

Reasons Behind the Stalemate

The ongoing stalemate in the ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas is driven by multiple intertwined factors, primarily centered around the issues of hostages, border closures, and mutual accusations of ceasefire violations. One of the key points of contention is Hamas’ slow return of Israeli hostages, which has directly influenced Israel’s decision to keep the Rafah border crossing closed to humanitarian aid. Israel has declared that the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt will remain shut “until further notice,” further exacerbating humanitarian concerns in Gaza. The closure limits the entry of essential goods and equipment necessary for aid and recovery efforts, particularly those needed to search for and recover bodies under rubble, thereby delaying humanitarian operations.
Compounding the humanitarian crisis is the blockade imposed by Israel, which has been described by human rights organizations as a form of collective punishment and an “open-air prison” for Gaza’s population. The blockade restricts the flow of essential goods, trade, and the movement of people, severely impacting the economic and social conditions within Gaza. Israel controls two of the three border crossings into Gaza, while Egypt controls the third. Since 2009, Egypt has also built an underground barrier along the Egypt-Gaza border to control movement. Following the blockade’s tightening, Hamas militants dismantled sections of the border barrier with Egypt, temporarily allowing Gazans to cross into Egypt for food, fuel, and other necessities, a move that was tolerated briefly by Egyptian authorities before efforts were made to reestablish the border.
Another major factor prolonging the stalemate is the fragile nature of the ceasefire itself, brokered by the United States and France, intended to last 60 days. Both sides have accused each other of violating the truce, undermining trust and raising tensions. Israel has reported firing on “suspects” near the southern zone and accused Hezbollah, an Iran-backed group, of breaches as well, while Lebanese officials similarly accused Israel of ceasefire violations. Hamas denies allegations of attacks on Israeli-controlled areas east of the “yellow line” and rejects claims of ceasefire violations attributed to them. These reciprocal accusations highlight the delicate balance and the challenge of enforcing the truce amid ongoing security concerns.
Political considerations also play a critical role. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has equated any ceasefire to a surrender to Hamas and terrorism, rejecting calls for a halt in fighting and favoring continued military pressure to weaken Hamas’s capabilities. Conversely, Hamas has emphasized its seriousness about reaching a deal only if it includes a permanent ceasefire, alongside the release of hostages and prisoners, underscoring the political and symbolic significance of these terms for both parties. The U.S.-brokered agreement has included provisions for hostage exchanges and the release of Palestinian detainees, but implementation remains slow and contentious, with Hamas restricting Red Cross access to hostages and Israel demanding incremental hostage releases in exchange for extensions to the ceasefire.

Impact of the Border Closure

The prolonged border closure imposed by Israel on the Gaza Strip has had severe humanitarian, economic, and infrastructural consequences, exacerbating an already dire situation for the population. Over the past year, Israeli forces have destroyed much of Gaza’s vital infrastructure, including health services, water, and sanitation systems, which has led to deteriorating living conditions and increased illness among residents. The blockade, in place since 2007, has created critical shortages of medical supplies and restricted access to healthcare, forcing medical personnel and patients into life-threatening situations.
Despite maintaining a relatively robust healthcare system prior to the war, Gaza’s health infrastructure has been decimated by bombardments and supply shortages. The closure of key border crossings, particularly the Rafah crossing in May, severely limited the entry of humanitarian aid and the evacuation of patients, with only a minimal trickle of aid currently reaching the territory. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and other humanitarian organizations have warned that the suspension of aid and closure of crossings, such as Kerem Shalom, risk worsening the already catastrophic hunger and health crises in Gaza.
Economically, the blockade has isolated Gaza, halting exports and trade and leading to significant losses. Since the blockade’s implementation, Israel has ceased all exports from Gaza and limited imports to a “humanitarian minimum,” allowing only essential goods for civilian survival. This economic strangulation has been described as a form of “economic warfare” and has resulted in the destruction of vital agricultural projects and widespread unemployment. The World Bank estimated that in 1996, closures caused losses amounting to nearly 40% of Gaza’s Gross National Product (GNP). Movement restrictions have also prevented Gazan fishermen from accessing 85% of their fishing waters, further crippling local livelihoods.
The blockade’s impact on utilities has been particularly acute. Fuel shortages threaten the operation of water facilities, with only enough reserves to sustain current water production for approximately one week. Once fuel runs out, water production from wells and desalination plants is expected to halt, which will exacerbate the scarcity of clean water. The United Nations Food Security Sector has reported that community kitchens, which provide essential meals to vulnerable populations, will soon exhaust their food supplies if the aid blockage persists.
The humanitarian crisis has been further aggravated by damage caused by Israeli military actions, including the use of bulldozers that have destroyed infrastructure and caused power outages, worsening the access and movement restrictions for civilians. The United Nations Secretary-General has emphasized that recovery and reconstruction efforts in Gaza must be based on a clear political framework to be sustainable, not solely on physical rebuilding.

Responses and Reactions

The decision by Israel to maintain the closure of its border crossings with Gaza, despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire and hostage deal, has elicited a wide range of responses from various stakeholders, reflecting the deep divisions and complexities surrounding the ongoing conflict.
Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have justified the continued closure as a necessary security measure. Netanyahu reportedly instructed security forces to keep the borders closed in both directions,

Attempts at Resolution

Efforts to reach a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas have been ongoing amid a complex and fragile stalemate. Following Israel’s invasion of the Gaza Strip, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu categorically rejected calls for a ceasefire, equating any halt in fighting to a surrender to Hamas and terrorism. Meanwhile, United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken proposed “humanitarian pauses” rather than a full ceasefire, arguing that a complete cessation of hostilities could enable Hamas to launch a second attack on Israel. Although an agreement was nearly reached, the escalation following the invasion ultimately caused talks to falter.
In the months leading up to Ramadan in 2024, mediators from the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar intensified efforts to broker a truce. U.S. officials, including senior diplomat Brett McGurk and envoy Steve Witkoff, engaged in discussions with Israeli and Hamas representatives to negotiate terms, including the release of hostages. Hamas prioritized the return of Palestinians to northern Gaza as a key demand, while Israel insisted on conditions that ensured its security. In March 2024, Israel and Hamas entered direct negotiations for the first time since December 2023, with Hamas softening some of its initial demands, such as dropping calls for a permanent ceasefire.
The ceasefire agreements implemented during this period have generally followed a framework that had been discussed since at least May 2023. Hamas largely agreed to the framework but sought guarantees that it would result in the end of hostilities and full Israeli withdrawal. The agreement includes a verification mechanism based in Cairo, involving representatives from Israel, Hamas, and the mediators—the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar—to oversee compliance and manage the ceasefire. This arrangement also obliges regional partners to ensure that Hamas and other factions adhere to their commitments and that Gaza poses no threat to neighboring areas.
Hostage exchanges and humanitarian aid have been central to the ceasefire talks. A significant deal brokered in late November 2023 by Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S. resulted in a four-day pause in fighting, the release of 50 Israeli hostages, the release of 150 Palestinian prisoners, and the allowance of up to 200 aid trucks entering Gaza daily. The Israeli government agreed to extend ceasefires by one day for every ten additional hostages released but maintained that fighting would resume once the truce ended. However, restrictions such as Hamas denying Red Cross access to hostages in Gaza during ceasefires have contributed to tensions.
Despite these agreements, violations by both sides have occurred. Hamas accused Israel of rejecting an extension of the truce tied to a hostage exchange, leading to renewed rocket fire and Israeli airstrikes. Similarly, Israel and allied groups reported ceasefire breaches, including sniper fire and incursions near the border, while accusations of violations have also come from Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. These incidents underscore the fragility of the ceasefire and the challenges to maintaining peace.
Humanitarian concerns remain pressing amid the ceasefire attempts. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) have repeatedly called for lifting or easing the blockade on Gaza, describing it as collective punishment and highlighting its severe impact on civilian life and development. The closure of key border crossings such as Rafah and Kerem Shalom has severely restricted the flow of aid and medical evacuations. In early 2024, Israel blocked a majority of humanitarian aid destined for northern Gaza, with some Israeli officials advocating a complete halt to aid shipments, further complicating relief efforts during the ceasefire.
International actors, including the United Nations Security Council, have emphasized their role in enforcing respect for ceasefire agreements and facilitating humanitarian assistance. The Security Council has urged immediate restoration of ceasefires, the continued release of hostages, and unimpeded access for aid into Gaza. Nonetheless, the ongoing disputes over prisoner exchanges, aid deliveries, and border access continue to hamper durable peace efforts, highlighting the long road ahead for a sustainable resolution to the conflict.

Broader Conflict Dynamics and Future Outlook

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas remains deeply complex, characterized by repeated ceasefire violations and significant humanitarian challenges. Despite a ceasefire agreement monitored by a verification mechanism involving Israel, Hamas, and mediators such as the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, hostilities have persisted, with gunfire reported near Israeli positions and continued military strikes by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). The fragile nature of the ceasefire is further complicated by unresolved issues, including Hamas’s disarmament—a critical red line for Israel that has not been fully met—raising concerns over the sustainability of any agreement.
Mass displacement within Gaza has dramatically worsened the humanitarian crisis. The ground incursion by Israeli forces into Rafah, a city that previously sheltered over one million displaced persons, has led to further large-scale displacements, arrests, and detention orders throughout the Gaza Strip. This has increased the separation of Palestinian families and exacerbated access challenges, including disruptions to telecommunications that impede family reunification efforts. The blockade and closure of Gaza’s borders have been widely criticized as forms of collective punishment, with international humanitarian law experts and human rights organizations condemning these measures as violations. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has even issued arrest warrants for Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, for alleged war crimes related to the use of starvation as a method of warfare.
Humanitarian aid into Gaza remains severely restricted, limited primarily to the Kerem Shalom and Rafah crossings, both tightly controlled by Israeli and Egyptian authorities. These constraints have led to critical shortages of medical supplies and basic necessities, with repeated calls from international bodies for the blockade to be lifted to alleviate the crisis. The inability to reopen key infrastructure such as Gaza’s airport and seaport, along with the lack of a direct link between Gaza and the West Bank, continues to trap Gaza in what many describe as an open-air prison.
The broader geopolitical landscape also influences the conflict’s trajectory. The United Nations Security Council has emphasized its responsibility to respond to what it views as grave breaches of international law by Israel against the Palestinian population. It has called for the immediate restoration of the ceasefire, the release of hostages and prisoners, and the unimpeded entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza. However, political positions remain entrenched. Israeli leadership maintains a stance that any negotiations must proceed in the context of ongoing military operations, while Hamas reiterates its commitment to a ceasefire leading to a full Israeli withdrawal.
Looking ahead, the future outlook remains uncertain. The key to breaking the stalemate lies in addressing the core outstanding issues, including the disarmament of Hamas, border crossings management, and the lifting of the blockade. Without tangible progress on these fronts, the humanitarian situation is likely to deteriorate further, and the cycle of violence and displacement may continue unabated. Independent monitoring mechanisms and international diplomatic engagement will be crucial in managing the ceasefire and paving the way for a more durable resolution.