A report by The Economist presents a stark assessment of conditions in Gaza, stating that the absence of meaningful progress continues to deepen civilian suffering, while simultaneously serving the interests of multiple power actors. The report describes a reality where nothing moves freely across Gaza except rats, multiplying among piles of waste and navigating through worn-out tents and rubble where most residents now live.
Collapse of Infrastructure and Blocked Reconstruction
Across more than half of Gaza, under Israeli control, essential materials required to repair water and sewage systems remain inaccessible. The report notes that Israeli authorities continue to block the entry of many critical supplies, often labelling them as “dual-use” items with potential military applications. This includes restrictions on mobile housing units, tents, and even rat poison.
Electricity remains cut off, formal education has been suspended for over two years, and hospitals and universities have been reduced to ruins. Despite the declared ceasefire, Israeli strikes have continued, with more than 750 Palestinians killed since the truce was announced by Donald Trump approximately seven months ago.
Ceasefire Promises Remain Unfulfilled
The ceasefire was accompanied by a 20-point plan that pledged immediate humanitarian relief and the reconstruction of vital infrastructure. It included commitments to reopen crossings, allow at least 600 aid trucks daily, and restore normal movement through the Egyptian border.
The plan also outlined broader political restructuring, including Hamas disarmament, Israeli military withdrawal, the deployment of international forces, and governance by a newly formed Palestinian technocratic body known as the Gaza National Administration Committee.
However, the report frames these provisions as aspirational rather than actionable, noting that prolonged stagnation has taken hold, benefiting various stakeholders in positions of power.
Power Dynamics Sustain the Stalemate
Israel continues to tighten its grip on Gaza, with some officials reportedly viewing deteriorating conditions as a mechanism to push residents towards displacement.
At the same time, Hamas is described as holding onto its remaining authority within an increasingly restricted territory. With limited aid flows, the group has raised fuel and motor oil prices to generate sufficient revenue to maintain salaries.
In the occupied West Bank, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas is portrayed as concerned about the fragmentation of his own authority, showing little appetite to assume governance in Gaza. Meanwhile, Trump and key members of the so-called peace council, preoccupied with conflict involving Iran, appear reluctant to confront Israel.
Leadership Paralysis and External Control
The report highlights that members of the Gaza National Administration Committee, who were expected to implement the proposed recovery plan, remain in Cairo rather than operating on the ground. Many are described as experienced professionals who had anticipated entering Gaza shortly after their appointment in January.
Instead, their movements and communications are tightly controlled by Nikolay Mladenov, the former Bulgarian defence minister now serving as the council’s “High Representative” for Gaza.
The committee’s public presence remains largely inactive, with its official website unchanged and still displaying outdated seasonal greetings. One member, speaking anonymously despite restrictions, admitted: “We lack the tools to do anything. No one informs us of developments, and we cannot serve our people.”
Security Constraints and Disarmament Deadlock
Israel has reportedly approved only 1,000 personnel for a planned Palestinian civil police force, far short of the intended 25,000, with training yet to begin.
Disarmament of Hamas remains the central obstacle to progress from both Israeli and international perspectives. Mladenov has repeatedly engaged Hamas figures in Cairo, alongside Turkish, Qatari, and Egyptian mediators, urging them to transition into an unarmed political entity. This would involve declaring disarmament, revealing weapons stockpiles, and surrendering arms, potentially to the Gaza administrative body.
Hamas, however, has set firm conditions. These include a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, disarmament of all armed factions, including those allegedly aligned with Israel, integration of its civil employees into any future administration, and a formal commitment from Trump towards establishing a Palestinian state.
Deep Distrust and Internal Resistance
Few actors trust that Israel will fully withdraw from Gaza. Hamas officials claim that each concession is met with new demands, while Israel has yet to fulfil key initial commitments such as allowing mobile housing units and rebuilding essential infrastructure.
Even if political leadership agrees to disarm, the report raises doubts over compliance from Hamas’ armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, operating within Gaza. While Israel claims to have killed approximately 10,000 fighters, analysts estimate that around 20,000 remain active.
Concerns persist within Hamas that disarmament could expose its members to internal Palestinian rivalries and retaliation.
Continuity of Hardline Strategy
The report notes that Hamas continues to follow the hardline approach associated with its late leader Yahya Sinwar, identified as the architect of the 7 October attacks. Rather than holding fresh elections, leadership positions have been filled through internal consultation processes that favour continuity over reform.
Recent municipal elections in Deir al-Balah saw low turnout, yet figures aligned with Hamas retained control. A local observer stated: “Sinwar’s shadow still dominates. The war has not changed them.”
Stalemate Persists Amid Ongoing Negotiations
Recent discussions in Cairo may offer a pathway forward, with Mladenov proposing a new timeline and framework. However, the report concludes with a consistent regional pattern: those who control territory are reluctant to relinquish it, regardless of human cost.
This reality leaves Gaza’s population trapped in devastation, navigating a landscape where destruction defines daily life and even basic safety is absent.
