For over 15 months, Gaza has been at the epicenter of destruction, its people subjected to bombings, starvation, and displacement. The recently brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas offers a brief respite, but it does not resolve the core injustices of the conflict. This is not peace; it is a temporary halt in a system of oppression that has been sustained for decades by Israeli policies, with the active support of Western powers and the silence of global institutions like the UN. For Gaza’s people, this is a pause in their suffering—not the end of it.

The Terms of the Ceasefire: A Reflection of Failure

The ceasefire, facilitated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, is being hailed as a diplomatic success¹. However, an examination of its main terms reveals that it reflects Israel’s inability to achieve its overarching goals in Gaza. Some of the key provisions include²:  

      1. Hostage and Prisoner Exchange: Hamas has agreed to release 33 Israeli hostages, most of whom are women and elderly individuals. In return, Israel will free hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Many of these Palestinians have been detained under administrative detention (a controversial system where individuals are imprisoned without formal charges or trials), a practice widely criticized as unjust and a violation of human rights.

      2. Military Withdrawal: Israel will withdraw its forces from northern Gaza. This area became a major target during the war as Israel attempted to implement the “Generals’ Plan” (a military strategy aimed at depopulating northern Gaza by forcing Palestinians to flee). Under the plan, anyone who stayed behind was labeled a terrorist. The withdrawal is a significant reversal of Israeli intentions to create new borders in Gaza by forcibly removing its residents.

      3. Humanitarian Aid Access: For the first time in months, humanitarian aid will flow into Gaza, including food, medical supplies, and fuel. However, this is not an act of generosity. It is the minimum necessary to address the catastrophic conditions in Gaza and to stave off further international backlash over the humanitarian crisis caused by Israel’s actions.

These terms are not a sign of Israeli generosity or strength but rather an admission of failure. As noted by Middle East Eye, the ceasefire terms highlight Israel’s inability to achieve its military goals despite overwhelming firepower. Its efforts to depopulate northern Gaza have been thwarted by Palestinian resilience and global pressure³.

Israel’s Aggression: Systematic Oppression Under the Guise of Self-Defense

Israel’s actions in Gaza go far beyond defense. This is not a war between equals but a one-sided assault by a nuclear-armed state against a besieged and impoverished population. For over 15 years, Gaza has been blockaded, its economy crippled, and its people deprived of basic necessities. The war amplified this suffering, turning Gaza into a hellscape of destruction.

According to the Middle East Monitor and Reuters reports, Israeli airstrikes during the conflict targeted civilian areas, including hospitals, schools, and residential buildings. More than 45,600 of Palestinians were killed, most of them women and children^4,5. The UN has documented cases of indiscriminate bombings, which may constitute war crimes under international law⁶.

Palestinian Resilience: A Defiant Stand Against Erasure

In Gaza, the people have endured unimaginable suffering yet continue to assert their right to exist. Beit Hanoun, a small city in northern Gaza, became a symbol of resistance during this war. Despite relentless bombings and military incursions, Hamas fighters and local residents held their ground, inflicting significant losses on Israeli forces. As detailed in Middle East Eye’s analysis, Beit Hanoun exemplifies the broader Palestinian spirit of defiance^{7, 8}.

This resilience is not just military—it is existential. Every family that remains in Gaza, every child who survives the bombings, is a testament to the Palestinians’ refusal to be erased. The war on Gaza has not weakened their resolve; it has strengthened it.

Global Complicity: The Role of the US, UN, and Western Powers

One of the most glaring aspects of this war is the complicity of global powers in enabling Israeli aggression. Since October 2023, the U.S. has provided at least $17.9 billion in military aid to Israel—more than in any other year since its support began in 1959. This money has been used to fund weapons and equipment that Israel deployed in its military operations in Gaza, which have caused massive destruction and widespread loss of civilian lives. The U.S. hasn’t stopped at financial support. It also expanded its military presence in the region, spending an additional $4.86 billion on operations tied to this conflict⁹.

Meanwhile, the Biden administration blocked multiple United Nations resolutions calling for a ceasefire, choosing to stand by Israel even as the world called for peace. As Robert Wood, the alternate U.S. representative to the UN, stated: “We made clear throughout negotiations that we could not support an unconditional ceasefire that failed to release the hostages”¹⁰. Part of this unwavering support comes from the close relationship between U.S. weapons manufacturers and the Israeli military. These ties are often used as justification for continued military aid, even though this aid directly fuels a conflict that has left countless innocent people in Gaza suffering. This level of complicity from a powerful nation like the U.S. raises serious questions about its commitment to international law and human rights.

As highlighted during Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s last press conference, the Biden administration faced significant criticism for its handling of the Gaza war and ceasefire negotiations. Journalists confronted Blinken, accusing him of enabling Israeli aggression and contributing to the immense suffering in Gaza. Independent reporters pointed to the use of U.S.-supplied munitions in Israeli airstrikes, such as the bombing of a displacement camp in Rafah, which killed 25 and injured 200. Critics also questioned Blinken’s justification for continuing military support, with his defense focusing on hostage negotiations while dismissing broader calls for an immediate ceasefire^{11, 12}. These events underscore a consistent pattern of U.S. prioritization of Israel’s strategic goals over international calls for justice and accountability, further fueling outrage among global observers.

The United Nations, meant to be a guardian of peace and justice, has failed miserably in holding Israel accountable¹³. UN’s inability to take decisive action during this war is indefensible. While the UN issued reports condemning Israeli actions, it did little to stop the bloodshed. Its failure to enforce its own resolutions on Palestine highlights deep structural weaknesses and the dominance of Western powers in its decision-making processes. This inaction is a stain on the Global North and a betrayal of the principles on which the UN was founded. For Palestinians, this bitter truth is undeniable: the institutions meant to protect them have largely abandoned their cause.

The Changing Tide of Global Opinion

While some Western governments continue to support Israel, public opinion is shifting. In the Global South, solidarity with Palestine is growing stronger. Nations in Africa, Asia, and Latin America see parallels between their histories of colonization and the Palestinian struggle¹⁴. This solidarity was evident on digital spaces in the widespread condemnation of Israel's actions during this war¹⁵.

In the West, particularly among younger generations, there is a growing criticism of Israel's policies. Notably, a survey by Israel's Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combatting Antisemitism revealed that 37% of American Jewish youths exhibited affinity for Hamas, a figure significantly higher than the 7% of Jewish teens worldwide. 42% of Jewish adolescents in the United States see Israel as perpetrating genocide in Gaza likewise, over fivefold the 9% of their global counterparts 16 . This signifies a substantial generational shift that may impact future US policy on Israel and Palestine.

The Role of International Law: Accountability for Israel's Crimes

The ceasefire does not absolve Israel of its actions during the recent conflict. The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, citing reasonable grounds to believe that both have perpetrated the war crime of employing starvation as a tool of warfare and crimes against humanity, including killing , oppression, and other barbaric acts, as direct perpetrators in collaboration with others. The International Criminal Court (ICC) also found sufficient evidence to conclude that each individual bears accountability for the war crimes of intentionally causing harm to civilians as a superior 17. The ICC's mandate is clear: to hold accountable those who violate international law, regardless of their power or status. If the global community truly values ​​justice, it must support these efforts.

The Path to True Peace: Justice and Equality

The ceasefire does not equate to peace. True peace necessitates addressing the root causes of the conflict: the occupation, the blockade, and the denial of Palestinian rights. It calls for dismantling Israel's apartheid system and ensuring that Palestinians can live with dignity, freedom, and equality. As David Hearst of Middle East Eye aptly observed, peace cannot be achieved through bombs and force. The only way forward is through dialogue, mutual recognition, and a genuine commitment to recognizing the humanity and rights of Palestinians.

A Call to Action: Solidarity with Gaza

To the global community: Your silence is complicity. It is time to stand with the people of Gaza, not as passive observers but as active allies in the fight for justice. Support the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement. Demand accountability from your government for their role in enabling Israeli aggression. Raise your voice for those who have been silenced by bombs and blockades.

To the people of Gaza: Your resilience is a beacon of hope in a world that often forgets its humanity. You have shown that even in the darkest times, the human spirit cannot be crushed. Your struggle is not just for Palestine—it is for justice everywhere.

Let This Ceasefire Be a Turning Point

The ceasefire in Gaza is a pause, not a resolution. But it is an opportunity—a chance for the world to finally confront the injustices that fuel this conflict. Let this moment be a turning point, not just for Gaza but for humanity. Because peace is not just the absence of war; it is the presence of justice, equality, and dignity for all.