The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas offers temporary relief but fails to address the root causes of the conflict. The international community must seek long-term political solutions to prevent further violence.
Ceasefire Provides Immediate Relief
The Israel-Gaza ceasefire agreement has paused hostilities after months of intense conflict. The deal includes the release of hostages and withdrawal of some Israeli troops. Palestinians in Gaza welcomed the news, celebrating the halt in violence after months of suffering.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the agreement, with U.S. President Joe Biden emphasising that U.S. diplomacy was crucial in securing the deal. Biden described the negotiations as “painstaking,” highlighting ongoing efforts from Qatar and Egypt as mediators.
However, former U.S. President Donald Trump attempted to claim credit, calling the ceasefire “EPIC” on his social media. President Biden dismissed Trump’s statements, noting the agreement followed the framework proposed earlier by the current U.S. administration.
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Gaza Faces a Humanitarian Crisis
The ceasefire comes after over a year of severe bombardment of Gaza. The region now faces a humanitarian catastrophe, with essential infrastructure destroyed and thousands of civilians displaced. Reconstruction could take decades.
Israel declared war on Hamas following the October 7 attack, where over 1,200 Israelis died and 251 were taken hostage. Since then, retaliatory strikes have killed around 47,000 Palestinians, including many women and children. The devastation has left much of Gaza in ruins.
The United Nations’ Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA) continues to provide aid despite facing restrictions from Israeli authorities. However, humanitarian efforts remain insufficient to address the widespread destruction and ongoing medical shortages.
The Two-State Solution: A Distant Goal?
The Gaza ceasefire provides temporary relief but fails to address deeper political tensions. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has lasted for decades, with both sides rejecting key proposals for a lasting solution.
The two-state solution, once a focal point of global diplomacy, remains the only viable path to long-term peace. However, the current Israeli government, led by Netanyahu, has consistently opposed the formation of a Palestinian state. Meanwhile, some Palestinian groups also reject the two-state model, calling for a single state with equal rights for all.
Historically, Australia has supported the two-state solution since 1947 and continues to back it. Former Prime Minister John Howard once said the root cause of Middle Eastern conflicts was the unresolved Palestinian issue.
Despite opposition, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stressed the need for a two-state approach, calling for Gaza and the West Bank to be governed under a reformed Palestinian Authority.
Challenges and Disagreements
Key disagreements have stalled previous ceasefire attempts. Hamas demands a permanent ceasefire, while Israel has resisted withdrawing its forces completely. Aid distribution and prisoner exchanges remain contentious points.
The latest Gaza ceasefire deal unfolds in three stages:
- Hostage Release: 33 hostages held by Hamas will be exchanged for Palestinian prisoners.
- Military Withdrawal: Israel will withdraw more troops, and humanitarian aid will increase.
- Gaza Reconstruction: Gaza’s rebuilding will begin under a new governing body.
However, Netanyahu has made clear that Hamas will have no role in Gaza’s future governance. This stance creates uncertainty about the sustainability of the ceasefire.
International Reactions and the Path Forward
The ceasefire has sparked mixed reactions globally. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese welcomed it, calling it a “constructive step towards peace.” However, he urged all parties to commit to long-term stability and humanitarian support.
The international community, led by Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S., has intensified efforts to ensure the ceasefire holds. However, unless a permanent political resolution emerges, the risk of renewed violence looms large.
The ceasefire offers a critical pause, but true peace requires political courage and sustained global pressure for a two-state solution.
