Calls for Gaza ceasefire continue to fall on deaf ears

As the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues with no end in sight, the international community is closely watching the ongoing ceasefire negotiations between the two parties.

Contents

Proactive steps being taken in Gaza Netanyahu’s rejection sparks escalation International efforts intensifying Negotiations making slow progress Analysis Also read

But with Gaza at the verge of famine after months of relentless Israeli bombardment, the urgency for a resolution has never been greater. [1]

Proactive steps being taken in Gaza

Last week, the political resistance organisation Hamas put forth a proposal for a potential truce deal to mediators, outlining several key terms aimed at ending the genocidal onslaught and addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. [1]

According to the deal that was presented, the ceasefire would have consisted of three separate stages — each lasting 42 days. [1]

The steps would have appeared as follows:

Israeli forces evacuate al-Rashid and Salah-ad-Din streets — which critically connect the South to the North — to facilitate the return of displaced Palestinians and the delivery of aid into Gaza.
The release of additional captives; conditioned upon a permanent ceasefire.
A complete end to the siege of Gaza, alongside reconstruction efforts. [1]

Netanyahu’s rejection sparks escalation

In response to Hamas’ truce offer, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office dismissed the proposal as being based upon “unrealistic demands”. [1]

In fact, in a recent public statement, he claimed,

“As we are preparing to enter Rafah, and this will take a little time, we are continuing to operate with full force.

“We are continuing to operate in Khan Yunis, in the camps in the centre, in eliminating and capturing senior Hamas officials as we have just done in Shifa, and in eliminating hundreds of terrorists.

“As I have promised you time and again, we are determined to achieve total victory, and we will achieve it.” [2]

Despite the damning circumstances in Gaza, Israel has repeatedly confirmed its plans to invade Rafah — the last remaining place of refuge for Palestinians displaced by the conflict.

International efforts intensifying

The tide is definitely turning as Israel’s intentions have faced significant growing opposition from supportive Arab nations, aid agencies, and its closest ally, the United States. [1]

For example, on 15 March, Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said in a public address,

“We are talking about reaching a ceasefire in Gaza, meaning a truce, providing the biggest quantity of aid, this would include curbing the impact of this famine on people, and also allowing for the people in the centre and the South to move towards the North, with a very strong warning against incursion into Rafah.” [3]

From the US side, the Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s upcoming visit to the Middle East on 22 March has indicated a developing consensus on international efforts to secure a ceasefire agreement. [1]

Blinken, America’s top diplomat, stated whilst visiting the Philippines on 19 March,

“We’ve also impressed upon Israel the imperative of having a plan for Gaza for when the conflict ends, which we hope will be as soon as possible.

“One hundred per cent of the Gaza population is in need of humanitarian assistance.” [4]

Negotiations making slow progress

Mediated by Qatar and Egypt, conflict resolution negotiations have gained meaningful involvement from key regional players seeking to alleviate the humanitarian crisis and prevent a further escalation of violence. [1]

The Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman, Dr. Majed al-Ansari, stated in a press conference on 19 March,

“Any Israeli attack on Rafah will harm efforts to reach an [i.e. a truce] agreement.” [5]

He continued by warning Israel against any form of attacks on the city, where more than 1.4 million are seeking refuge from the never-ending Zionist assaults. [4]

While the ceasefire negotiations continue, Gaza is in a dire humanitarian crisis, with the entire population on the brink of, or enduring a famine.

Aid organisations such as Oxfam have warned of imminent mass deaths from varying diseases and starvation, unless immediate steps are taken to end the violence and allow for the delivery of humanitarian aid. [1]

Analysis

ANALYSIS

Maalek Habib

Islamic studies teacher & public speaker

'The strong do what they have to do and the weak accept what they have to accept' — Thucydides.

It has been over five months since 7 October — by far the most decisive day of the past year.

But regardless of one's stance on the event, it cannot be denied that the geopolitical landscape of the region and the wider globe has been shaken — perhaps irreversibly so.

Was the Hamas proposal fair?

The core demands of Hamas — and a possible reason for their actions on 7 October — could be the deteriorating state of the Palestinian cause.

Perhaps, this is why their demands rested upon three core pillars:

Withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza;
freeing of Palestinian prisoners;
lifting of the siege of Gaza, and opening the borders.

These would have been reasonable demands which serve the interests of not just Hamas but Palestinians of all factions.

What is Israel putting on the table?

Their demands rest upon the immediate release of Israeli prisoners of war, as well as the complete demilitarisation of the Gaza Strip — a move that would amount to leaving the region defenceless and at the complete mercy of the occupying forces.

So given the history, nature, and agendas of each of the two sides, a permanent cessation of hostilities is an unlikely outcome, leaving any efforts to broker a ceasefire just as the word suggests, a temporary break.

Palestine appears much more united this time

Historically, the Palestinian side was usually splintered and in a state of disarray, with the Israelis putting on a united front, yet this time is different.

The Israeli government is the most rightwing in the history of Israel, with fragmentation amidst its ranks and the wider Israeli public clearly apparent.

The Palestinians, in stark contrast, appear to be more united than ever before, their suffering having only multiplied over the years, culminating in the ever more oppressive days they are being subjected to.

Indeed, it is said that when a person hits rock bottom, the only place left to go is up.

With or without the world, Palestine will succeed

Any potential ceasefire will determine the willpower, or lack thereof, of the international community's true commitment to human rights and the rule of law.

Israel's military is not affected by the number of casualties — in their eyes, the Gaza Strip's inhabitants are more useful dead or displaced, as this will make the takeover of their land easier.

Yes, the Palestinians may be physically devastated, but only time will tell whether the Israeli war machine's steam runs out before the unrivalled spirit of the Palestinians.

Allah says in the Qur'ān,

'...If you should be suffering — so are they suffering as you are suffering, but you expect from Allah that which they expect not. And Allah is ever Knowing and Wise.'