Amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, a glimmer of hope emerged with the announcement of a ceasefire deal brokered by the United States. However, as the dust settles and the reality of the situation sinks in, it is becoming increasingly clear that this deal is failing the Palestinian people.
The ceasefire, which was announced by US President Donald Trump, was met with skepticism and criticism from both sides. While Israel welcomed the deal, Palestinian leaders and activists were quick to point out its shortcomings and express their concerns. In a recent interview, James Zogby, founder and president of the Arab American Institute, and Jonah Valdez, a Palestinian-American journalist, shared their insights on the ceasefire and what it will take for it to succeed.
According to Zogby, the ceasefire deal is a “temporary band-aid” that does not address the root causes of the conflict. He believes that in order for the ceasefire to succeed, there needs to be a genuine effort towards finding a long-term solution that addresses the underlying issues. “We need to see real action towards ending the occupation and achieving a just and lasting peace for both Israelis and Palestinians,” Zogby stated.
Valdez echoed Zogby’s sentiments, stating that the ceasefire deal is merely a “cosmetic solution” that does not address the deep-seated issues faced by the Palestinian people. He emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach that addresses the ongoing violence, displacement, and oppression faced by Palestinians on a daily basis. “We cannot continue to ignore the suffering of the Palestinian people and expect a lasting peace to be achieved,” Valdez stated.
While the ceasefire may have temporarily halted the violence, it has not brought an end to the suffering of the Palestinian people. Taqwa Ahmed Al-Wawi, a Palestinian writer and activist, shared her hopes and fears regarding the ceasefire deal. “I am hopeful that this ceasefire will bring some relief to the people of Gaza who have been living under constant fear and violence,” she stated. “But at the same time, I fear that this is just a temporary pause and the situation will go back to the same cycle of violence and oppression.”
Al-Wawi also expressed her disappointment with the lack of representation of Palestinian voices in the negotiation of the ceasefire deal. “The Palestinian people have been silenced and ignored in these negotiations, and this is not a sustainable solution,” she stated. “We need to be included in the conversation and have our voices heard in order for any peace deal to be successful.”
The ceasefire deal also fails to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where the blockade and constant attacks have left the population in dire need of basic necessities such as food, water, and medical supplies. Al-Wawi emphasized the urgent need for the international community to step in and provide aid to the people of Gaza. “We cannot continue to suffer in silence while the world turns a blind eye to our plight,” she stated.
As the ceasefire deal continues to be tested, it is evident that it is not enough to bring lasting peace to the region. The Palestinian people deserve a just and sustainable solution that addresses their fundamental rights and ends the ongoing violence and oppression. It is time for the international community to take action and support the Palestinian people in their struggle for freedom and justice.
In conclusion, while the ceasefire deal may have brought a temporary halt to the violence, it is failing to address the root causes of the conflict and the ongoing suffering of the Palestinian people. It is imperative that the international community takes a more active role in finding a comprehensive and just solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict. As Zogby aptly stated, “We cannot continue to put band-aids on a wound that requires surgery.” It is time for real action towards achieving a just and lasting peace for both Israelis and Palestinians.
