Extending the ceasefire depends on even more negotiations meant to begin soon and eventually tackling the tough issue of how Gaza will be governed, with Israel still demanding the elimination of Hamas. Hanging over those talks is the possibility Israel could resume its campaign to destroy the group — even as dozens of hostages remain in its hands.

Following the ceasefire, many Palestinians find only sand, twisted metal and shredded concrete where they used to live

Israel said repeatedly that it wouldn't allow Hamas to run Gaza in the future. Yet Hamas remains the strongest force in Gaza and Israel has never offered a plausible alternative.