Gaza War: Ceasefire on Horizon, But Death Toll Climbs

Ishtiaq Ahmed

London: Over 100 Palestinians have been reported killed in Gaza as the attack continues despite the imminent temporary pause in war.

The anticipated temporary pause in the relentless attacks by Israel that already accounted for thousands of Palestinian lives, mainly women and children, is part of a deal for Hamas to free 50 hostages over the coming days, perhaps starting from Friday this week. The pause will also allow some humanitarian aid to reach Gaza, which is experiencing catastrophic shortages of food, water, fuel, and medical care.

The British Foreign Secretary, Lord Cameron, the former prime minister, arrived in Israel yesterday amid uncertainty about when the pause in the fight will actually begin because anything could go wrong in this fragile and volatile situation.

It is worth mentioning that Britain, the principal architect of Israel and alongside America has been the main staying power of Israel in the present war over the last seven weeks. Thus, its role in this war remains critical. We don’t see a fundamental change in British-American policy towards Israel.

While the intricacies of pause in the war are being discussed and settled, the Israeli attacks continue adding to human causalities and displacement. Meanwhile, Benjamin Netanyahu vows Gaza war will continue even after ceasefire. This is very much in line with Israel’s declared policy of seeking a total capitulation and annihilation of Hamas.In the meantime, families of hostages and Palestinians trapped in besieged Gaza wait anxiously for the start of temporary lull in the fighting.

The pause in fighting to allow hostage swap and limited humanitarian aid is part of Netanyahu’s political move to release international pressure but, more importantly to achieve some domestic support against growing anger at home and his obsession with destruction of Hamas, while the hostage issues is perceived of being pushed into background.

Moving forward, whether with a temporary or permanent ceasefire, the intentions of Israel can’t be trusted unless the issue of a secure border line for both countries is settled in accordance with the 1967 agreement and internationally enforced to stop Israel from encroaching on Palestinian land.

The author is a British citizen of Pakistani origin with a keen interest in Pakistani and international affairs.

The article is the writer’s opinion, it may or may not adhere to the organization’s editorial policy.