In breaking a fragile two-month ceasefire that had brought some measure of peace to Gaza, Israel has dashed any glimmer of hope that a resolution might be within reach. This day was one of the bloodiest since the conflict reignited following the deadly Hamas raid on October 7, 2023. Israel claims it was targeting “terror objectives,” yet health authorities in Gaza report that more than 400 individuals were killed, including 174 children and 89 women. With the military’s evacuation orders, it seems a renewed ground offensive could be looming for Palestinians who have already faced repeated trauma and displacement. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described this as “just the beginning,” as more evacuation instructions were issued. Meanwhile, families of the remaining Israeli hostages express both fear and anger, criticizing the government for abandoning them.
The situation continues to get worse. Since the war’s onset, tens of thousands of Palestinians have perished, with casualties rising even during the ceasefire due to Israel’s restrictions on aid. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy recently recognized this as a violation of international law, though he was promptly chastised by the prime minister’s spokesperson. Last week, a UN report accused Israel of committing “genocidal acts” against women’s healthcare in Gaza and described the use of sexual violence by security forces as a strategy to “dominate and destroy the Palestinian people.” An earlier UN investigation described “relentless and deliberate attacks” on healthcare workers and facilities as war crimes.
Progressing from the ceasefire has always seemed challenging. There were never any substantial negotiations to transition to a second phase that would usher in a permanent end to hostilities, the release of all hostages, and a complete Israeli military withdrawal. Moving forward appeared unlikely, let alone beginning discussions on Gaza’s reconstruction.
Netanyahu attributes the failed ceasefire to Hamas’s unwillingness to release all hostages immediately, a position that keeps him in power amidst ongoing conflict. The Israeli prime minister, who postponed his testimony in a corruption trial due to the renewed offensive, must secure support to pass a budget by the month’s end or face the dissolution of his government. The resumption of airstrikes has brought back one of his far-right coalition partners, Itamar Ben-Gvir, helping to keep another, Bezalel Smotrich, from leaving. Those challenging Netanyahu’s dismissal attempts of Ronen Bar, his internal security agency chief, risk being labeled as unpatriotic. However, a recent survey indicated that most Israelis preferred moving to the ceasefire’s second phase. Attention has shifted back to the remaining hostages following testimonies from those who have been released.
The renewed violence has drawn widespread condemnation across Europe and the Arab world. Nevertheless, Israel, which ignored Biden’s mild reprimands, now interacts with a U.S. president who, while urging a pause, is also comfortable allowing Israel to press on. Donald Trump has repeatedly advocated for the forced displacement of Palestinians—a war crime. Reports suggest the U.S. and Israel have approached officials in Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland about resettling displaced Palestinians. Although these plans seem far-fetched, they remain unacceptable. The Arab peace initiative stands as a clear assertion that a better option exists. Yet, for Israel’s right-wing, which rejects Palestinian statehood aspirations, extinguishing hope isn’t just collateral damage; it’s the purpose. This ambition must not prevail.
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