Gaza civilians endure freezing tents as peace plan stalls

Tens of thousands of people in Gaza are trapped in tents as winter storms hit the territory.

The Board of Peace, a body created under the US-backed ceasefire agreement from October 2025, issued a statement on Monday. The group reported that residents are exposed to cold weather and unsafe conditions. The board described the situation as a precarious existence for those living in temporary shelters.

Hamas currently governs approximately 30 percent of the enclave. This area holds the majority of the two million civilian population. The militant group has maintained control over these residents since the conflict began more than three years ago. The Board of Peace stated that humanitarian aid has entered the region but that current efforts are insufficient.

The board urged the Israeli government to authorize the entry of essential materials for temporary shelter. It also called on Hamas to lay down its arms. The body argued that the time for assurances without implementation has passed. It noted that civilians can no longer afford continued inaction.

The delay in the peace plan stems from several factors. Progress slowed after the Iran war began in February 2026. Israel’s domestic elections further complicated the process. The US secured United Nations backing for the plan in January 2026. A Civil-Military Coordination Center was established in Kiryat Gat. However, the anticipated deployment of the International Stabilization Force in the spring of 2026 has not yet happened.

Israel’s governing coalition has hesitated to push for major changes. Leaders appear wary of looking soft on Hamas during the election period. This approach differs from early post-war rhetoric that suggested a more decisive dismantling of Hamas governance. The current strategy focuses on degrading the group’s capabilities while allowing it to remain in place.

Military operations have resulted in the death of most mid-level and high-level Hamas commanders by the fall of 2024. Despite these losses, the group continues to recruit. The Israel Defense Forces have reconquered areas such as Zeitoun and Jabalya. Homes in these areas have often been razed. This cycle of conflict has forced civilians to move multiple times. Residents have concentrated in central refugee camps and western Gaza.

Since the ceasefire started in October 2025, the IDF has expanded its control to cover roughly 70 percent of Gaza. Hamas retains the remaining areas. Washington is potentially waiting for the results of Israeli elections before committing to further steps. Militias used to manage parts of Gaza have proven largely ineffective. These groups have often acted in ways that do not support stable civilian life.

An estimated 10,000 Hamas fighters hide among the two million civilians. Disarming them remains a daunting task for the IDF. The military prefers to avoid a large-scale ground operation in the remaining areas. There is no clear initiative to create a zone where residents can live free from Hamas rule. Without a viable path for civilians to leave, the group maintains its grip on the population.