As a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah took effect on Wednesday, people around the world are calling for peace in Gaza. Residents in the war-torn enclave expressed hope that the truce might signal a turning point in the long-standing conflict.
Marking the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People on Friday, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the urgency of ending the violence. “It is past time for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the unconditional release of hostages,” he said during a special UN meeting.
Despite the ceasefire with Hezbollah in Lebanon, Israel continued airstrikes across Gaza. Locals described the dire situation on the ground. “We are living in a real-life horror movie,” said 52-year-old Umm Ahmad Lubbad from Beit Lahia. “The bombing doesn’t stop from the air or on the ground. It is getting worse every day.”
The Health Ministry in Gaza reported that at least 37 people were killed on Thursday, bringing the total death toll to a staggering 44,330 since last October. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East warned that conditions in northern Gaza are deteriorating rapidly for the estimated 65,000 to 75,000 people remaining there.
In conversations with reporters, many Gazans expressed fatigue over the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and called for a ceasefire similar to the one established in Lebanon.
While the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire has provided some relief, tensions remain high as both sides accused each other of violating the agreement on Thursday. This uncertainty casts doubt on the longevity of the truce.
Experts are cautiously optimistic. Li Zixin, an assistant research fellow at the China Institute of International Studies, noted that ambiguous terms in the ceasefire deal allow for potential retaliation. “In this sense, Israel can be an ‘athlete,’ ‘referee,’ and ‘arbitrator’ in the deal,” Li said.
Dong Manyuan, a researcher on Middle East issues at the same institute, believes the 60-day deal might hold as both parties need time to regroup. “Both sides, especially Hezbollah, need a period to adjust strategy, make up for personnel and weapon loss, and shore up strength,” he commented.
The ceasefire has raised hopes for a broader peace. U.S. President Joe Biden recently stated that his administration is pushing for a ceasefire in Gaza. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan echoed this sentiment, calling Biden’s announcement “a step that is long overdue but nonetheless an important one.” Erdogan added, “Regional and global peace cannot be achieved unless an urgent, just, lasting ceasefire is established in Gaza.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hinted at progress in negotiations to secure the release of hostages in Gaza. “Conditions for reaching a possible deal have considerably improved,” he told Channel 14, an Israeli broadcaster, without providing specific details.
As international pressure mounts, many are hopeful that a lasting peace can be achieved, bringing much-needed relief to the people of Gaza.
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Gaza hopes for peace after Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire takes effect
cgtn.com
