HOPES for an end to the bloodshed in Gaza have once again been overshadowed by the grim reality on the ground. Despite US President Donald Trump’s announcement that a breakthrough had been achieved after Hamas agreed, under a US-backed initiative, to disarm as part of the implementation of the ceasefire agreement reached last year in Egypt, Israeli airstrikes continued for a second consecutive day. On Sunday alone, at least nine Palestinians were killed in strikes across Gaza City, Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis, adding to the more than 1,230 Palestinians reportedly killed since the ceasefire agreement was reached in October.
The ceasefire framework was intended to pave the way for a permanent cessation of hostilities, the disarmament of Hamas and equally importantly, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza in accordance with the agreement. Hamas has reiterated that it is prepared to place its weapons in storage once Israel halts military operations and withdraws its troops as stipulated. Yet Israel is pressing ahead with military operations. The statement by Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen that there is no deal to halt attacks and that Israel should take full control of Gaza leaves little room for optimism. It reinforces the widely held perception that Israel has little intention of honouring the ceasefire framework. Its continued military campaign reflects a pattern seen repeatedly over the years, with scant regard for international law, humanitarian obligations or ceasefire commitments. Responsibility now rests squarely with the United States to push Israel to halt its military operations and adhere to the commitments it has undertaken. Diplomatic announcements alone cannot end the suffering of Gaza’s civilians unless they are backed by meaningful pressure Israel to implement the agreement in full. A durable peace requires not selective compliance but faithful implementation of every provision of the ceasefire.
