Gaza War: Fragile Ceasefire, Lingering Challenges

 Asem Mustafa Awan
Islamabad: The recent ceasefire brokered by Qatar and Egypt in Gaza, spanning four days, brought a temporary respite to the protracted conflict between Israel and Hamas. However, amidst the ceasefire, troubling incidents unfolded, underscoring the complex challenges facing the region. While the humanitarian pause aimed to address immediate concerns and facilitate prisoner exchanges, it also revealed persistent tensions and the need for a more comprehensive and enduring resolution.
The ceasefire, initiated with humanitarian intentions, witnessed a distressing desecration of the Al-Aqsa Mosque by extremist Jews. Despite efforts to quell hostilities, the situation in occupied Jerusalem and Gaza remained volatile, resulting in the martyrdom of nine more Palestinians and numerous injuries.

The ceasefire, although offering a momentary halt to the armed conflict, failed to quell the underlying issues contributing to the protracted violence in the region. One of the ceasefire’s primary objectives was to facilitate the release of prisoners on both sides. In this regard, Israel and Hamas completed three batches of prisoner swaps within the first three days of the ceasefire.

Hamas released 13 Israeli hostages, while Israel reciprocated by releasing 39 Palestinian prisoners. This exchange highlighted the intricate dynamics involved in achieving a balance between humanitarian gestures and the political realities of the conflict.
Despite the ceasefire’s positive aspects, the grim reality of the humanitarian situation in Gaza remained a cause for deep concern. Over 80% of Gaza’s population found themselves internally displaced, with inadequate living conditions in overcrowded shelters. Poor sanitation and disease outbreaks loomed over the displaced population, with reports of acute respiratory infections and diarrhea cases surging.The United Nations issued warnings about the potential for famine, disease, and epidemics, stressing the urgent need for sustained humanitarian intervention.
As the ceasefire unfolded, relief efforts aimed at addressing immediate needs gained momentum. The delivery of essential supplies, including fuel, food aid, medical assistance, and water, marked a crucial step in alleviating the dire conditions faced by the people of Gaza.
The health situation in Gaza painted a harrowing picture, with the threat of famine looming large. The United Nations emphasized the urgency of addressing the potential for major epidemics among the 1.7 million displaced Palestinians in Gaza. The displaced population faced challenges ranging from inadequate shelter conditions to a severe shortage of space, with reports of some individuals resorting to living in schoolyards or on the streets.
Despite the immediate challenges, the international community’s focus should extend beyond short-term ceasefires. A comprehensive and enduring resolution requires addressing the root causes of the conflict, fostering political dialogue, and promoting regional stability.

Both Israel and Hamas, while engaging in talks facilitated by Qatar and Egypt, must commit to building a framework for a lasting ceasefire that goes beyond short-term humanitarian gestures.
The recent ceasefire in Gaza provided a brief pause in hostilities and facilitated prisoner exchanges, it also exposed the deep-seated challenges and humanitarian crises persisting in the region.

Achieving a permanent ceasefire demands concerted efforts from the international community, emphasizing political dialogue, addressing root causes, and ensuring sustained humanitarian support for the affected populations.

The writer is a journalist based in Islamabad and writes on a wide range of issues.