After 11 days of intense fighting, a cease-fire agreement was reached between Israel and Hamas, the militant group that controls the Gaza Strip. The conflict, which began on May 10th, resulted in the deaths of over 250 Palestinians and 12 Israelis. The cease-fire was brokered by Egypt and came into effect on May 21st.
The conflict began with tensions over the planned eviction of Palestinian families from the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood in East Jerusalem. This led to clashes between Israeli police and Palestinian protesters, which then escalated into rocket attacks from Gaza and Israeli airstrikes in response.
The cease-fire agreement includes a halt to all hostilities, including rocket fire from Gaza and Israeli airstrikes. It also includes an agreement to allow humanitarian aid and reconstruction efforts to enter Gaza, which has been under an Israeli blockade for over a decade.
The cease-fire has been welcomed by the international community, with many leaders calling for a lasting peace agreement between Israel and Palestine. US President Joe Biden praised the cease-fire, saying that it was a “genuine opportunity” to move towards a more peaceful future.
However, there are concerns that the cease-fire may not hold. Previous cease-fires between Israel and Hamas have been short-lived, with both sides accusing each other of violating the agreements. There are also concerns about the underlying issues that led to the conflict, such as the ongoing Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories and the lack of progress towards a two-state solution.
Despite these concerns, the cease-fire is a positive step towards ending the violence and suffering in Gaza. It provides an opportunity for humanitarian aid to reach those in need and for reconstruction efforts to begin. It also provides an opportunity for both sides to come to the negotiating table and work towards a lasting peace agreement.
In conclusion, the cease-fire between Israel and militants in Gaza is a welcome development after days of intense fighting. While there are concerns about its long-term viability, it provides an opportunity for both sides to work towards a more peaceful future. The international community must continue to support efforts towards a lasting peace agreement between Israel and Palestine.
