The recent ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas was meant to bring an end to the violence and bloodshed in Gaza. However, the reality on the ground paints a different picture. The ceasefire, which was supposed to be a step towards peace, has instead become a tool for Israel to continue its systematic oppression and violence against the Palestinian people. As journalist Mehdi Hasan puts it, “The matter is not a ceasefire – we are talking about a managed genocide, a managed forcible displacement.”
Since the ceasefire was announced on May 21st, Israel has violated it multiple times, launching airstrikes on Gaza and carrying out violent attacks against Palestinians in the West Bank. These violations have resulted in the death of at least 20 Palestinians, including children, and the destruction of homes and infrastructure. This is not a ceasefire, but rather a continuation of Israel’s brutal occupation and oppression of the Palestinian people.
The Israeli government, backed by the United States, has long claimed to be a victim of Palestinian aggression. However, the reality is that Israel is the occupying power, and it is the Palestinian people who are suffering under its military might. The recent escalation of violence in Gaza was a direct result of Israel’s continued illegal occupation and its brutal treatment of Palestinians, including the forced displacement of families in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood.
The ceasefire agreement was supposed to address the root causes of the conflict and bring an end to the suffering of both Palestinians and Israelis. However, it has become clear that Israel has no intention of honoring its commitments. Instead, it continues to use the ceasefire as a cover to carry out its violent and oppressive policies against the Palestinian people.
The international community, including the United Nations, has condemned Israel’s actions and called for an end to the violence. However, mere words are not enough. It is time for the international community to take concrete actions to hold Israel accountable for its violations of international law and human rights abuses against the Palestinian people.
The United States, as Israel’s biggest ally, has a special responsibility to put pressure on Israel to end its aggression and comply with international law. It is time for the US to stop blindly supporting Israel and start advocating for the rights and dignity of the Palestinian people. The US must use its influence to ensure that Israel respects the ceasefire and stops its illegal and inhumane actions against the Palestinian people.
Furthermore, the international community must also take steps to address the root causes of the conflict. This includes ending the illegal occupation of Palestinian land, lifting the blockade on Gaza, and holding Israel accountable for its violations of international law. The Palestinian people have the right to live in peace and dignity, free from oppression and violence.
It is also crucial for the media to accurately report on the situation in Gaza and not fall into the trap of false equivalency. The narrative of “both sides” being equally responsible for the violence is not only inaccurate but also harmful. It ignores the power dynamics at play and perpetuates the false narrative of Israel being a victim rather than an occupying power.
The recent ceasefire violations by Israel in Gaza are not isolated incidents but a continuation of its long history of violence and oppression against the Palestinian people. It is time for the international community to take a stand and demand an end to Israel’s illegal and inhumane actions. The Palestinian people deserve justice, dignity, and freedom, and it is the responsibility of the international community to ensure that they receive it. As the late South African leader Nelson Mandela once said, “We know too well that our freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinians.” It is time for the world to act and stand in solidarity with the Palestinian people.
