The start, but not the end
After tens of thousands of lives were lost from the genocide in Gaza, a ceasefire was brokered between Israel and Hamas on Jan. 19. The last act of the Biden administration shows promise, but as an Israeli airstrike on a residential area in Gaza not even a day after indicates, this is not the end of Israeli violence for Palestinians. However, Trump’s plans to take ownership of the Gaza strip, deporting the population in the process, has only weakened the already thin ice this ceasefire stands on.
With much dispute from both sides, the prime minister of Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, negotiated a three-phase ceasefire in hopes of bringing an end to violence in the area. According to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Hamas went back on certain parts of the agreement, leading to a ‘last-minute crisis.’ In contrast, senior leaders from Hamas claimed there was no disagreement, and head of delegations Khalil al-Hayya even announced to officials from Egypt and Qatar that the deal had gone through. It’s unclear what will happen to the ceasefire as Israel continues to bomb Gaza, and many believe this ceasefire to be a false hope.
“For a little while, everyone was happy and joyful,” Dr. Amjad Eliwah told the BBC in an interview. “Then the same people who were happy were dead.”
This ceasefire marks the second attempt since the beginning of this genocide. Since Oct. 7, 2023, over 62,000 Palestinians have been killed, 73 killed by the airstrike after the ceasefire was announced. Since this ceasefire was implemented, over 500,000 Palestinians have returned to northern Gaza. However, there are over 2.3 million Palestinians who have been displaced from their homes since the start of this war.
The Phases of the Ceasefire
The first phase will last over 42 days and will see a suspension of the ongoing violence as well as the release of hostages on both sides. Hamas will release 33 hostages, and Israel will release 1,900 Palestinian hostages. During this phase, Israel will slowly pull back from populated areas so that displaced Palestinian refugees can return to their neighborhoods. IDF soldiers will stay in areas around Gaza’s borders, such as the southern Philadelphi Corridor. However, they will be forced to leave the Netzarim Corridor, a military zone that cuts the north of Gaza from the south.
Sixteen days after phase one starts, phase two will begin and feature a permanent ceasefire. All remaining hostages in Gaza will be exchanged for more Palestinian hostages. The IDF will completely withdraw from the area as Gaza prepares for the final phase.
In phase three, all remaining bodies of dead hostages will be returned, and Gaza will begin reconstruction, which is expected to take years. This aspect of the agreement is up in the air, given Trump’s expressed intention to buy the Gaza Strip. This agreement is expected to take years, so nothing is set in stone.
The ceasefire is still in the initial phase as Israel continues to bomb Gaza. The most recent airstrike killed six in eastern Lebanon, adding to the instability of this already fragile ceasefire.
Where We’re at Right Now
As of Feb. 9, the most recent attack from Israeli troops killed at least three Palestinians in the eastern parts of Gaza City. Hamas spokesman Abdel Latif al-Qanou urges mediators to demand Israel comply with strict implementations of the ceasefire so that humanitarian aid can enter the area. At the very least, some help has made its way into the Gaza Strip as helicopters and trucks loaded with food and other supplies can be seen entering the area.
Even though Israeli troops are withdrawing in some areas, air satellites show the Star of David being carved into the land by tanks as they pull back. However, according to Al Jazeera and many other sources on the ground, Israel is continuing their military raids in the West Bank. Targeting cities like Jenin and Tulkarm, many Palestinians are still being killed and arrested despite Hamas being compliant with the agreement.
The Trump of it all
Many foreign leaders, as well as the Arab world, have publicly ridiculed Trump’s proposal, yet Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has expressed complete support for his plan.
“The Gaza Strip would be turned over to the United States by Israel after fighting,” Trump said.
Trump’s plans to resettle the Palestinian people who live in Gaza or were previously displaced have been criticized by many, with some viewing it as a form of ethnic cleansing. Trump’s plan has been condemned by the UN, human rights groups, and leaders from Arabic countries.
Trump’s plan for the Palestinians living in the Gaza Strip to be moved to Egypt in Jordan was quickly shot down by both countries. He says that Palestinians have ‘no alternative’ but to leave Gaza but has no authority to do so. According to international law, any attempt to forcibly transfer a population from an occupied area is strictly prohibited.
Trump intends to turn Gaza into “the Riviera of the Middle East” and believes the Gaza Strip is “real estate development for the future,” but specific details have not been mentioned. Navi Pillay, chair of the UN Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, believes Trump’s plan violates international law.
“Trump is woefully ignorant of international law and the law of occupation,” Pillay said in an interview with POLITICO. “Forcible displacement of an occupied group is an international crime and amounts to ethnic cleansing.”
