The start, but not the end
After tens of thousands of lives were lost from the genocide in Gaza, a ceasefire was brokered between Israel and Hamas on Jan. 19. The last act of the Biden administration shows promise, but as an Israeli airstrike on a residential area in Gaza not even a day after indicates, this is not the end of Israeli violence for Palestinians. However, Trump’s plans to take ownership of the Gaza strip, deporting the population in the process, has only weakened the already thin ice this ceasefire stands on.
With much dispute from both sides, the prime minister of Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, negotiated a three-phase ceasefire in hopes of bringing an end to violence in the area. According to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Hamas went back on certain parts of the agreement, leading to a ‘last-minute crisis.’ In contrast, senior leaders from Hamas claimed there was no disagreement, and head of delegations Khalil al-Hayya even announced to officials from Egypt and Qatar that the deal had gone through. It’s unclear what will happen to the ceasefire as Israel continues to bomb Gaza, and many believe this ceasefire to be a false hope.
“For a little while, everyone was happy and joyful,” Dr. Amjad Eliwah told the BBC in an interview. “Then the same people who were happy were dead.”
This ceasefire marks the second attempt since the beginning of this genocide. Since Oct. 7, 2023, over 62,000 Palestinians have been killed, 73 killed by the airstrike after the ceasefire was announced. Since this ceasefire was implemented, over 500,000 Palestinians have returned to northern Gaza. However, there are over 2.3 million Palestinians who have been displaced from their homes since the start of this war.
The Phases of the Ceasefire
The first phase will last over 42 days and will see a suspension of the ongoing violence as well as the release of hostages on both sides. Hamas will release 33 hostages, and Israel will release 1,900 Palestinian hostages. During this phase, Israel will slowly pull back from populated areas so that displaced Palestinian refugees can return to their neighborhoods. IDF soldiers will stay in areas around Gaza’s borders, such as the southern Philadelphi Corridor. However, they will be forced to leave the Netzarim Corridor, a military zone that cuts the north of Gaza from the south.
Sixteen days after phase one starts, phase two will begin and feature a permanent ceasefire. All remaining hostages in Gaza will be exchanged for more Palestinian hostages. The IDF will completely withdraw from the area as Gaza prepares for the final phase.
In phase three, all remaining bodies of dead hostages will be returned, and Gaza will begin reconstruction, which is expected to take years. This aspect of the agreement is up in the air, given Trump’s expressed intention to buy the Gaza Strip. This agreement is expected to take years, so nothing is set in stone.
The ceasefire is still in the initial phase as Israel continues to bomb Gaza. The most recent airstrike killed six in eastern Lebanon, adding to the instability of this already fragile ceasefire.
Where We’re at Right Now
As of Feb. 9, the most recent attack from Israeli troops killed at least three Palestinians in the eastern parts of Gaza City. Hamas spokesman Abdel Latif al-Qanou urges mediators to demand Israel comply with strict implementations of the ceasefire so that humanitarian aid can enter the area. At the very least, some help has made its way into the Gaza Strip as helicopters and trucks loaded with food and other supplies can be seen entering the area.
Even though Israeli troops are withdrawing in some areas, air satellites show the Star of David being carved into the land by tanks as they pull back. However, according to Al Jazeera and many other sources on the ground, Israel is continuing their military raids in the West Bank. Targeting cities like Jenin and Tulkarm, many Palestinians are still being killed and arrested despite Hamas being compliant with the agreement.
The Trump of it all
Many foreign leaders, as well as the Arab world, have publicly ridiculed Trump’s proposal, yet Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has expressed complete support for his plan.
“The Gaza Strip would be turned over to the United States by Israel after fighting,” Trump said.
Trump’s plans to resettle the Palestinian people who live in Gaza or were previously displaced have been criticized by many, with some viewing it as a form of ethnic cleansing. Trump’s plan has been condemned by the UN, human rights groups, and leaders from Arabic countries.
Trump’s plan for the Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip to be moved to Egypt in Jordan was quickly shot down by both countries. He says that Palestinians have ‘no alternative’ but to leave Gaza but has no authority to do so. According to international law, any attempt to forcibly transfer a population from an occupied area is strictly prohibited.
Trump intends to turn Gaza into “the Riviera of the Middle East” and believes the Gaza Strip is “real estate development for the future,” but specific details have not been mentioned. Navi Pillay, chair of the UN Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, believes Trump’s plan violates international law.
“Trump is woefully ignorant of international law and the law of occupation,” Pillay said in an interview with POLITICO. “Forcible displacement of an occupied group is an international crime and amounts to ethnic cleansing.”
Where We Go From Here
I will be transparent in saying this section includes some of my thoughts.
Even though violence in Gaza is nowhere close to being over, Israeli forces are withdrawing from key areas in Gaza. However, experts have expressed concern about potential trade-offs that came with the agreement.
“Israel now has a free hand to pursue what it has wanted to in the West Bank for a long time: settlement expansion, annexation,” Tahani Mustafa, a senior analyst at the International Crisis Group, said.
Israel must end their aggression since aid can enter the area only after there’s a complete ceasefire. As of right now, it seems that this ceasefire is doomed to fail, with live updates stating Hamas has suspended releasing their captives, citing Israel’s violation of the truce as their reason.
It’s clear this conflict is long from over, but this truce, regardless of whether it holds up or not, has only acted as a gateway for ethnic cleansing. Leaders across the world must not rest in a time when human rights are being so blatantly violated by Israeli forces. Furthermore, major international actors must become involved in negotiations. Any more of Trump and his antics, such as the most recent proposed ethnic cleansing and forced relocation, will spell doom for the people of Palestine.
I urge viewers of this article to get involved in any way you can. Whether it’s donating a dollar to one of the linked charities or participating in protests near your school and in your area, you must take action. This is no longer a conflict we can afford to be neutral on. Every day that passes without public condemnation of Israel’s violation of this ceasefire will amount to thousands of lives being needlessly lost.
The ceasefire brokered by Biden was one of his last actions as president, and the truce may fall apart shortly. Evident in every idea he’s had, Trump is not equipped, capable, or knowledgeable enough to be trusted with negotiations between Hamas and Israel. It’s been made clear that any involvement from the US will only benefit Israel, and an actual ceasefire will not be agreed upon until all actors of the world hold Israel accountable for their war crimes.
From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.
