Al Jazeera Weekly Wrap: 'Under Cover of Ceasefire, Israel Increases Grip' — 925 Movement Obstacles, 20-Year High

Al Jazeera published a major weekly analysis on April 28–29, 2026, titled 'Under cover of ceasefire, Israel increases grip,' documenting how ceasefires in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran are functioning 'less as true pauses in hostilities than as cover for accelerated fact-making on the ground.' Key findings: (1) OCHA documented 925 movement obstacles in the West Bank — the highest total in over 20 years, 43% above the two-decade average; (2) 817 Palestinians killed since the October 10, 2025 ceasefire (updated to 824+ by the UN Security Council briefing April 28); (3) Israeli forces and settlers continued pressing into Palestinian-administered areas during the ceasefire period; (4) IDF Yellow Line controls approximately 60% of Gaza; (5) Talks on Hamas disarmament and a permanent arrangement remain deadlocked with no sign of progress. Phase II negotiations under the US 'Board of Peace' framework remain stalled. Palestinian municipal elections held April 25 with 23% turnout in Gaza — contested and criticized for Hamas exclusion. The analysis concluded that the core Gaza conflict is 'far from resolution' with a prolonged stalemate as the most likely near-term outcome.