After more than a year of relentless Israeli aggression, genocide, and siege that has left Gaza in ruins, a ceasefire agreement was finally implemented today at 11:15 AM, marking a temporary reprieve for the beleaguered Palestinian population.

Yet, this fragile peace follows an unimaginable toll of human suffering, destruction, and displacement in Gaza, as well as continued violations of Palestinian rights in the West Bank.

The ceasefire, brokered by Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani on January 15, 2025, was initially set to take effect at 8:30 AM. However, delays caused by Israeli authorities meant that it was only in effect hours later, providing little comfort to a population that has endured over 15 months of bombings, massacres, and deprivation.

The ceasefire, which will proceed in three phases over the next 42 days, promises a temporary halt to Israeli military operations, but the devastation caused by Israel’s aggression cannot be undone overnight. Gaza’s population, which has already endured immense suffering, has been decimated by over 157,000 casualties, the majority of them women and children. While the ceasefire signals hope, it is difficult to ignore the catastrophic consequences of Israel’s actions.

Gaza: A Humanitarian Crisis of Unprecedented Proportions

The human toll on Gaza has been catastrophic. Since the escalation of violence in October 2023, over 46,899 Palestinians have been killed, with children and women accounting for the overwhelming majority of victims. The number of injuries is equally staggering, with more than 110,725 people wounded, and tens of thousands still missing under the rubble of destroyed homes. The siege, combined with indiscriminate bombings and the ongoing blockade, has caused widespread famine, leaving over 1.93 million people displaced, with many living in shelters without access to clean water, food, or medical supplies.

More than 85% of Gaza’s population has been rendered homeless, and almost all of Gaza’s infrastructure has been obliterated. Hospitals, schools, and cultural heritage sites have been reduced to rubble, and the entire economy has collapsed, with unemployment rates soaring to 80%. The educational system has been decimated, with over 788,000 students unable to attend school for two consecutive years, and higher education institutions have been severely damaged.

West Bank and Jerusalem: Escalating Attacks and Settler Violence

In the West Bank and Jerusalem, the Israeli occupation has escalated its attacks on Palestinians, further tightening its grip on Palestinian land and lives. Over 835 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank, including children, as Israeli settlers and occupation forces engage in violent raids, property destruction, and attacks. The Israeli government’s continuous expansion of illegal settlements on Palestinian land has displaced countless families, while the passing of racist laws has further undermined Palestinian rights and freedoms.

The violence has not been limited to the occupied territories but has spread across the region, as Israeli settlers, emboldened by government policies, have waged a systematic campaign of terror against Palestinian civilians. Thousands of olive trees—symbolic of Palestinian identity—have been uprooted, homes destroyed, and land seized. The Israeli Knesset has legalized the expansion of settlements, while Palestinian resistance is met with harsh repression and widespread military violence.

A Nation Under Siege: The Prisoners and Economic Collapse

The humanitarian crisis extends beyond physical violence. The Israeli authorities’ systematic oppression of Palestinian prisoners has worsened, with over 25,000 Palestinians detained, including children and elderly individuals. The use of administrative detention, where individuals are held without charge, has skyrocketed, and at least 54 prisoners have died in Israeli jails under harsh conditions.

The economic collapse, exacerbated by Israel’s confiscation of Palestinian tax revenues, has deepened the financial crisis faced by the Palestinian Authority. The public sector is on the brink of collapse, with employees not receiving full wages for months. Health care and education services are stretched beyond their limits, and the lack of medical supplies continues to worsen the already dire situation.

Racist Legislation and Systematic Discrimination

Alongside these actions, Israel’s racist laws continue to target Palestinians both inside the occupied territories and within Israel’s recognized borders. New legislation has been passed to undermine Palestinian identity and rights, including laws criminalizing family reunification, labeling Palestinians as "terrorists" based on their political activism, and rejecting any notion of Palestinian statehood. The Israeli Knesset has also passed laws to restrict the operations of UNRWA, the UN agency responsible for aiding Palestinian refugees.

The 1948 Palestinians, those who remained in what is now Israel, are also facing severe repression. Emergency laws have been enacted to suppress protests, extend detentions without trial, and restrict freedom of expression. These measures reflect Israel’s broader strategy to silence dissent and consolidate its control over Palestinian land and lives.

The Long-Term Impact: A Generation of Suffering

While the ceasefire agreement may provide temporary relief, the long-term impact of Israel’s actions will be felt for generations. The destruction of Gaza, the suffering of Palestinian civilians, and the loss of life cannot be measured by ceasefire terms alone. Israel’s continued occupation, colonization, and displacement of Palestinians are part of a broader, systematic campaign of oppression that aims to erase Palestinian identity, history, and presence.

The international community must hold Israel accountable for its actions, ensuring that the voices of Palestinian victims are heard and their rights are upheld. The ceasefire in Gaza, while significant, is only the beginning of what must be a long and ongoing process of justice, reconstruction, and liberation for the Palestinian people.

The Palestinian people have shown resilience, but they cannot rebuild their lives and homes in the face of continued occupation and oppression. It is time for the world to take meaningful action to end Israel's war crimes and to support the Palestinian struggle for freedom, justice, and dignity. (ILKHA)