The conflict between Israel and Palestine since my last blog post about it has continued to worsen, resulting in significant loss on both sides. However, now, a Gaza ceasefire agreement has been agreed upon.
Israel and Hamas have reached an agreement on a multiphase ceasefire aimed at ending the war in Gaza, with a focus on humanitarian aid and the release of hostages. President Biden and Qatar’s prime minister announced the deal, which includes a full ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated Gaza areas, and the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners. This plan will work toward a permanent end to the war, the return of deceased hostages’ remains, and the reconstruction of Gaza. The deal comes after intense negotiations mediated by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar, with both sides still finalizing some details.
Regardless of who you may support or believe in, it is unanimous that death, conflict, and war are an inherent evil and the loss of many is truly devastating. This agreement exemplifies the essence of public policy by balancing conflicting interests to promote the greater good. It highlights how effective policy can resolve conflict, provide humanitarian aid, and set the stage for long-term peacebuilding, showing the importance of collaboration and compromise in achieving sustainable outcomes.
If you would like to read a little more about the war itself, read below…
The Israel-Palestine conflict is a long-standing dispute with deep historical roots, dating back over a century. It involves territorial, political, and cultural tensions, primarily centered around the control of land, borders, and rights. The conflict escalated after Britain took control of Palestine following World War I and promised to establish a Jewish homeland there. Tensions grew between the Jewish and Arab populations, with violence erupting in response to conflicting claims to the land.
The West Bank and Gaza remain central to the conflict, with Palestinians seeking independence and control over these areas. Israel controls much of the West Bank and East Jerusalem, while the Gaza Strip is controlled by Hamas. The conflict has resulted in cycles of violence, with significant casualties on both sides, especially among Palestinians in Gaza.
Efforts to resolve the conflict, such as the two-state solution proposed by the international community, have largely been stalled. Israel opposes full Palestinian statehood, while Palestinian factions, including Hamas, reject Israel’s right to exist. Refugees from the 1948 war and their descendants, as well as issues related to the status of Jerusalem, continue to be contentious issues. Despite various peace efforts, including the Oslo Accords, the conflict remains unresolved, and the situation remains volatile.
This has continued over time, but events on October 7, 2023 brought this conflict to the world forefront. Hamas slaughtered more than 1,200 men, women and children, including 46 Americans and citizens of more than 30 countries– the largest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust. With this event, the scale and brutality of the violence captured global attention, amplifying the already heightened tensions between Israel and Hamas.
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