Palestinians Skeptical of Gaza Ceasefire Amid Israel’s Violations
As a fragile ceasefire takes hold in Gaza, Palestinians remain unconvinced it will last, pointing to Israel’s repeated breaches of past agreements and ongoing military aggression. The truce, brokered by international mediators, offers temporary relief from weeks of deadly violence—but with broken ceasefires and unfulfilled promises still fresh, Gazans brace for another escalation.
A History of Broken Ceasefires
For Palestinians, ceasefires have often been fleeting pauses between cycles of violence. Previous truces have collapsed due to Israeli airstrikes, settlement expansions, and military raids. The latest conflict—triggered by [insert latest cause, e.g., Israeli raids on Al-Aqsa/Hamas rocket fire]—left hundreds dead, including women and children, and reduced neighborhoods to rubble.
“This feels like déjà vu,” said Ahmed Abu Khater, a Gaza City resident. “Israel breaks ceasefires repeatedly. We don’t trust them.”
Israel’s Ceasefire Violations: A Pattern of Escalation
Israel has frequently justified truce breaches as “self-defense,” yet human rights groups document systematic violations, including:
– Bombing civilian areas
– Blocking humanitarian aid
– Expanding illegal settlements
– Extrajudicial killings
“Israel claims to want peace while entrenching occupation,” said Rana Hamdan, a West Bank activist. “How can we believe in ceasefires when arrests and killings continue?”
Gaza’s Humanitarian Crisis Persists
Even during the ceasefire, Gaza’s siege—imposed by Israel and Egypt since 2007—prevents meaningful recovery. Hospitals lack supplies, power outages persist, and displaced families shelter in ruins.
“A pause in fighting isn’t enough,” said Dr. Yasmin Al-Masri of Al-Shifa Hospital. “We need open borders, reconstruction, and justice.”
International Failures and Double Standards
While the U.S. and allies urge peace, Palestinians note unchecked military aid to Israel and muted responses to its violations. Condemnations of Palestinian factions overshadow calls for Israeli accountability.
“World leaders enable occupation while preaching two-state solutions,” said analyst Omar Barghouti. “Without pressure, ceasefires will fail.”
Will This Ceasefire Last?
Without addressing root causes—occupation, blockades, and Palestinian rights—the cycle will continue.
“We don’t want calm; we want freedom,” said Mariam Khalaf, a Rafah teacher. “Otherwise, violence will return.”
As global powers watch, Gaza’s trapped civilians wait—with little faith in lasting peace.
—Reporting by NextMinuteNews
