Up First from NPR What is a ceasefire?
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Nov 16, 2025 
In this discussion, NPR correspondents Daniel Estrin and Aya Batrawy delve into the fragile ceasefire in Gaza. Estrin shares firsthand accounts of Israeli military positions and the devastation on the ground. Batrawy outlines the complex ceasefire plan, highlighting humanitarian concerns and stalled phases. They examine the ramifications of both stalled aid and the differing definitions of 'demilitarization' by the involved parties. Additionally, they explore the political consequences for both Israelis and Palestinians amid ongoing tensions.
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Firsthand View Of Gaza's Devastation
- Daniel Estrin entered Gaza in an Israeli military vehicle and saw vast, colorless rubble firsthand.
- Standing on a berm made the destruction feel different than photos and underscored the scale of devastation.
Phased Ceasefire With Unfinished Steps
- The Trump ceasefire plan split the process into phases: hostage exchange, aid surge, disarmament, multinational force, withdrawal, and rebuilding.
- Phase one succeeded partly with living hostage returns, but many subsequent steps remain unresolved.
Aid Flows Fall Short Of Needs
- Humanitarian aid remains insufficient despite reported truck flows because many deliveries are commercial and routes/crossings are restricted.
- UN agencies report a fifth of Gaza still eats only one meal daily and key food items remain rare.