Gaza Ceasefire Raises More Questions Than Answers

Written by Barron Bryant

The Israeli military has announced a long-awaited ceasefire to the war in Gaza. The IDF and Hamas forces have signed a treaty with the terms that Hamas must release the 20 surviving hostages in exchange for the thousands of Palestinian prisoners taken since October 7th. This conflict has done unimaginable damage to the stability of the Middle East, killed tens of thousands, and has reduced Gaza to rubble.

The ceasefire was debated in Egypt, with leaders from several major nations in attendance. The meeting was dubbed “The Summit of Peace,” and the Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi, along with U.S. President Donald Trump, laid out plans for a ceasefire. But many are concerned about the fragility of it all, and how much one side can truly trust the other. The Egyptian President’s office stated that the meeting’s goal was to “end the war” in Gaza and “usher in a new page of peace and regional stability,” in line with Donald Trump’s vision.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was not in attendance but had opinions on the ceasefire. “If this is achieved the easy way, so be it. If not, it will be achieved the hard way,” He added that Hamas agreed to the deal “only when it felt that the sword was on its neck — and it is still on its neck.”

Gaza Before and After October 7th, 2023

But what exactly does this mean for Palestinians? Many in Gaza have lost everything. So, how does one rebuild from nothing? Almost 2 million people still reside in Palestine with no government, no military, and almost no more buildings. This ceasefire has brought peace, but at the cost of an unknown future. The threat of Hamas still lingers in the air as well, with many Palestinians being executed for “Association with Israel.”

But Israel has made it clear that their main objective is now to disarm Hamas and reclaim Gaza. So, although many are grateful for this ceasefire, more are scared for the future of their home and their people. What Israel has in mind once the Hamas occupation has dispersed is unknown, but suspicions remain heavy in the air, and eyes should remain on the situation in Palestine.