Palestinians who had taken refuge in temporary shelters return to their homes in the southern Gaza Strip during the first hours of a four-day truce between Israel and Hamas, November 24, 2023. /CFP
Editor's note: Masuda Khatun, a special commentator for CGTN, is an international affairs analyst and freelance columnist. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.
November 24 is the day when the interim 4-day truce between Israel and Hamas will finally go into effect, enabling the release of over fifty Israeli hostages out of nearly 240 who had been detained in Gaza since the Hamas-Israel war which started on October 7.
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) passed a resolution, on November 15, demanding immediate and prolonged humanitarian corridors and pauses in Gaza, which is when the breakthrough occurred. As the UNSC 's rotating president for November, China has collaborated with other nations to bring about a temporary cease-fire for the benefit of those displaced by the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. China welcomed the ceasefire and wished for its sustainability. China's involvement in the Palestine-Israel dispute is entirely appropriate since it upholds justice and adopts an impartial, neutral, and fair stance.
With violence resulting in the deaths of more than 14,000 Palestinians as of November 24, the current conflict has seriously damaged Gaza. The brief stoppage is imperative because the Gaza Strip has turned into a major combat zone and because violent Israeli airstrikes and ground incursions pose a severe threat to the safety and security of millions of Palestinians.
Humanitarian assistance will be allowed into Gaza unconditionally upon the truce's implementation, and it is necessary to allow the voluntary departure of sick and wounded people as well as others being affected in the area. The international community, which includes the key countries that helped to broker the historic agreement, has to put in place measures to turn this brief reprieve into a permanent peace agreement, liberate Palestinian prisoners and free Israeli hostages, and bring an end to the long-running conflict over Palestine.
However, the ceasefire is actually insufficient on a large scale in terms of its brevity. A permanent truce is what the people of Gaza, who have been bombarded, shelled, forced to flee their homes, and refused access to basic necessities like food, fuel, and medical supplies, need right now.
Palestinians who had taken refuge in temporary shelters return to their homes in the southern Gaza Strip, November 24, 2023. /CFP
The biggest hospital in Gaza, Al-Shifa Hospital, was overrun by Israel on the grounds that a Hamas command center was hidden underneath it. Israel has had more than a week to provide any reliable proof for this assertion. However, the fact that Israel and Hamas have come to an agreement indicates that despite intense propaganda and brutal combat, all parties are willing to communicate with one another.
The four-day break announced by the international community will help hospitals by providing supplies and relieving pressure. But if the fighting begins again, it will be difficult to rescue lives. However, a large-scale humanitarian catastrophe would be the outcome if the situation worsens once the interim truce has ended. Thus, the international community should consequently utilize its influence to prevent an all-out conflict from developing during the brief respite.
Building on the momentum created by the agreement, it is necessary to prolong the halt and turn it into a formal cease-fire. In essence, let this lead to an end to the hostilities. That's the only way to free captives, provide the Palestinians with long-term respite, and stop the Middle East's growing tensions. By pushing for future hostage releases, the international community should take advantage of this crucial opportunity to increase the likelihood of a lengthier cease-fire.
A peaceful and successful future for any country has historically never been guaranteed by the persecution of vulnerable groups, simmering conflicts, or unjust occupation. Peace requires the two-state solution and the establishment of an independent, self-sufficient Palestinian state. Future Middle East political landscapes and the prospect of lasting peace will depend on the actions of the international community, Israeli leadership, and its Western supporters.
The Netanyahu administration must act with wisdom and determination to exchange security and tranquility for its country in exchange for an independent Palestine; otherwise, the events of October 7 will keep on happening.
The two-state solution is the only workable way to achieve sustainable peace in the Middle East, thus the international community must take advantage of this chance if it wants that outcome. Therefore, the future political landscapes and prospects for lasting peace in the Middle East would depend on the actions of the international community, Israeli leadership, and its Western friends.
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