The Ceasefire in Gaza: "Just a Declaration, Not Reality"
In the midst of Israeli airstrikes that killed at least 109 people, including 46 children, on Tuesday, US President Donald Trump continues to claim that the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is still holding. However, for Palestinians living in Gaza, the reality is far from it.
According to The Intercept, a recent survey conducted among 60 residents of Gaza found that only four believe the ceasefire is still intact, while 50 said no. Four more think it's fragile, while six hold out hope that it will remain in place. Residents described nights filled with explosions and mornings shrouded by tension as they braced themselves for what may come next.
Aya Nasser, a 20-year-old university student, recalled the terror of Tuesday's attacks on her neighborhood. "I panicked and my body shook violently," she said, recounting how Israeli missiles exploded just meters from her home. Her family had lost relatives in previous attacks since the ceasefire took effect. She fears further attacks.
Hala, another 20-year-old, described the fear and uncertainty that grips Gaza. "There is no ceasefire," she said, criticizing Israel's claims of targeting senior Hamas fighters. The US President's continued support for Israel has emboldened its military actions, fueling despair among Palestinians.
Dr. Morten Rostrup, a physician working with Doctors Without Borders in Gaza City, witnessed the devastating impact of these attacks firsthand. "There is no doubt this is an attack on civilians," he said, condemning the Israeli government's actions. "Do we really call this a ceasefire?"
The Gaza Health Ministry reports that over 66,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since October 2018, with many more still missing or unaccounted for. The attacks on Tuesday shattered illusions of peace and left many feeling trapped in an endless cycle of worry.
As the situation continues to deteriorate, residents are losing hope in the ceasefire agreement. "The occupation targets whoever it wants, stopping and resuming the genocide every few days as if playing with our lives," said Hala.
For Trump, however, the appearance of a ceasefire remains crucial to maintaining diplomatic cover for Israel's military actions. This means that as long as he continues to declare that the ceasefire is holding, the international community will let up on pressure on Israel, allowing it to continue its occupation and brutal suppression of Palestinians.
The Intercept's investigation highlights the stark reality facing Palestinians in Gaza: a fragile and illusory peace that offers little protection from Israeli aggression. As the situation spirals out of control, it's essential to hold those in power accountable for their actions and demand a genuine commitment to ending this senseless violence.
In the midst of Israeli airstrikes that killed at least 109 people, including 46 children, on Tuesday, US President Donald Trump continues to claim that the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is still holding. However, for Palestinians living in Gaza, the reality is far from it.
According to The Intercept, a recent survey conducted among 60 residents of Gaza found that only four believe the ceasefire is still intact, while 50 said no. Four more think it's fragile, while six hold out hope that it will remain in place. Residents described nights filled with explosions and mornings shrouded by tension as they braced themselves for what may come next.
Aya Nasser, a 20-year-old university student, recalled the terror of Tuesday's attacks on her neighborhood. "I panicked and my body shook violently," she said, recounting how Israeli missiles exploded just meters from her home. Her family had lost relatives in previous attacks since the ceasefire took effect. She fears further attacks.
Hala, another 20-year-old, described the fear and uncertainty that grips Gaza. "There is no ceasefire," she said, criticizing Israel's claims of targeting senior Hamas fighters. The US President's continued support for Israel has emboldened its military actions, fueling despair among Palestinians.
Dr. Morten Rostrup, a physician working with Doctors Without Borders in Gaza City, witnessed the devastating impact of these attacks firsthand. "There is no doubt this is an attack on civilians," he said, condemning the Israeli government's actions. "Do we really call this a ceasefire?"
The Gaza Health Ministry reports that over 66,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since October 2018, with many more still missing or unaccounted for. The attacks on Tuesday shattered illusions of peace and left many feeling trapped in an endless cycle of worry.
As the situation continues to deteriorate, residents are losing hope in the ceasefire agreement. "The occupation targets whoever it wants, stopping and resuming the genocide every few days as if playing with our lives," said Hala.
For Trump, however, the appearance of a ceasefire remains crucial to maintaining diplomatic cover for Israel's military actions. This means that as long as he continues to declare that the ceasefire is holding, the international community will let up on pressure on Israel, allowing it to continue its occupation and brutal suppression of Palestinians.
The Intercept's investigation highlights the stark reality facing Palestinians in Gaza: a fragile and illusory peace that offers little protection from Israeli aggression. As the situation spirals out of control, it's essential to hold those in power accountable for their actions and demand a genuine commitment to ending this senseless violence.