The recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza has been hailed as a step towards peace and stability in the region. However, as the days pass, it has become increasingly clear that this so-called ceasefire is nothing more than a facade, a cover-up for the ongoing atrocities being committed by Israel against the Palestinian people.
In a recent interview with The Intercept, Palestinian activist and human rights lawyer Raji Sourani stated, “The matter is not a ceasefire – we are talking about a managed genocide, a managed forcible displacement.” These words paint a grim picture of the reality on the ground in Gaza, where innocent civilians are being subjected to relentless attacks by the Israeli military.
Since the ceasefire was announced on May 21st, Israel has continued to violate it with impunity. According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, at least 243 Palestinians, including 66 children, have been killed in Gaza since the start of the Israeli offensive on May 10th. These numbers are expected to rise as rescue teams continue to search through the rubble of destroyed buildings.
The Israeli military claims that these attacks are in response to rockets fired by Hamas from Gaza. However, the reality is that Israel’s disproportionate use of force has resulted in a vastly higher number of casualties on the Palestinian side. This is not a war between two equal sides, but a brutal and one-sided assault on a besieged and occupied population.
The situation in Gaza is dire, with basic necessities such as food, water, and electricity in short supply. The Israeli blockade, which has been in place for over 14 years, has already caused immense suffering for the people of Gaza. Now, with the recent attacks, the situation has become even more dire. Hospitals are overwhelmed, and medical supplies are running low, leaving many injured Palestinians without proper treatment.
The Israeli government has also been targeting media outlets and journalists in Gaza, preventing the world from seeing the true extent of the devastation and human suffering. This is a blatant violation of press freedom and a deliberate attempt to control the narrative and hide the reality of the situation.
The international community has a responsibility to hold Israel accountable for its actions. The United Nations has repeatedly called for an end to the blockade and the occupation of Palestinian territories, but their calls have fallen on deaf ears. It is time for the international community to take concrete actions to stop the ongoing violence and bring about a just and lasting solution to the conflict.
The United States, as a key ally of Israel, must also play a role in ending the violence. President Biden’s recent statement in support of a ceasefire is a step in the right direction, but it is not enough. The US must use its influence to pressure Israel to end its attacks and lift the blockade on Gaza.
The ongoing violence in Gaza is not just a humanitarian crisis; it is a violation of human rights and international law. The international community must recognize this and take immediate action to stop the bloodshed and bring about a just and lasting peace for the Palestinian people.
In conclusion, the recent ceasefire in Gaza is not a true ceasefire, but a managed genocide and forcible displacement of the Palestinian people. The international community must not turn a blind eye to the ongoing atrocities and must take concrete actions to hold Israel accountable for its actions. The time for empty statements and half-hearted condemnations is over; it is time for action. The lives of innocent Palestinians depend on it.
