The ceasefire agreement in Gaza brings a moment of relief to a region devastated by 15 months of war, and the return of hostages to their families is a cause for celebration. But let's be clear: this is the bare minimum. For over a year, Gaza has endured unimaginable destruction. Tens of thousands of Palestinians have been directly killed, millions displaced, and an entire region reduced to rubble. Without addressing the root causes of this tragedy, the ceasefire risks becoming yet another pause in an endless cycle of violence.
The agreement, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S., outlines three phases: a halt to fighting, the release of hostages and detainees, and the beginning of reconstruction.Yet, even as the ceasefire agreement was announced, its approval is being delayed by Netanyahu citing a "last minute crisis," and violence continued with reports of Israeli airstrikes killing at least 80 Palestinians, including women and children, in a desperate escalation before the truce could take effect. These developments highlight the fragility of this moment and the immense challenges ahead.
To move forward, we must confront the occupation, settlement expansion, apartheid, and other systemic issues that have fueled this conflict for decades. The tragic events of October 7, which claimed 1,200 lives in Israel, were followed by a disproportionate response that killed tens of thousands of Palestinians, displaced over two million people, and obliterated much of Gaza's infrastructure. Both sides must be held accountable for their actions, with comprehensive investigations to ensure justice and prevent future atrocities.
Rebuilding Gaza is not just a physical challenge but a moral obligation. Homes, schools, hospitals, and entire neighborhoods lie in ruins. The international community must step up to ensure the reconstruction process is equitable, transparent, and prioritizes the needs of those who have suffered the most. This must include long-term investment in infrastructure, health care, and education to restore hope and dignity to Gaza's people.
The right of return for Palestinian refugees, displaced for generations, remains a fundamental issue. Millions of Palestinians live in exile, denied the opportunity to return to their ancestral homes. This is not only a legal right but a moral imperative that the global community must honor. Addressing this long-standing grievance is essential to achieving a just and lasting peace.
Compensation for the immense suffering endured by Palestinians is another critical step. Those who have lost loved ones, homes, and livelihoods deserve justice and reparations. The international community must demand accountability from all parties responsible for war crimes and ensure that survivors receive the support they need to rebuild their lives.
Finally, the occupation must end. The expansion of illegal settlements and land grabs has continually dispossessed Palestinians and undermined any prospects for peace. Settlement activity must halt immediately, and recent land seizures must be reversed. Ending the occupation is not just a political necessity but a precondition for justice and the establishment of a viable Palestinian state.
Perhaps the most glaring issue with this ceasefire agreement is the exclusion of Palestinians from the negotiation process. The U.S., Israel, Egypt, and Qatar acted as arbiters, sidelining the people most affected by this conflict. This approach is akin to an abusive husband, his supportive father, and the battered wife's two friends who work for and depend on the husband's father deciding her fate without her.
If we are serious about peace, Palestinians must lead the process. Exclusionary dynamics perpetuate injustice and ensure that the underlying issues remain unresolved.
The ceasefire agreement includes the release of hostages, including Palestinian women and children who have been detained in Israel without charge. The plight of these detainees underscores the need for systemic reform in how justice is administered.
While the ceasefire provides a brief reprieve, the devil is in the details. Will Israel honor its commitments, or will it use this pause to regroup and escalate violence later? What does rebuilding Gaza mean when 90 percent of its population has been displaced, and more than 70 percent of its infrastructure lies in ruins? How will the international community ensure that this is not just another pause before another tragedy?
The tens of thousands killed by Israel and the hundreds killed by Hamas cannot have died in vain. This moment demands more than reflection; it demands action. The international community must do the following:
Lift the siege on Gaza.
End illegal settlements and reverse recent land grabs.
End the occupation and ensure Palestinian sovereignty.
Prosecute and punish every individual responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity on both sides.
Demand accountability for all parties involved in war crimes.
And support the establishment of a viable, sovereign Palestinian state.
Anything less will perpetuate the cycle of violence.
A ceasefire is not peace. It is not justice. It is not a solution. True peace requires addressing the underlying causes of this conflict and ensuring that the voices of Palestinians are central to the process. As we look toward the future, we must confront uncomfortable truths about U.S. complicity, international indifference, and systemic inequality.
The ceasefire is a glimmer of hope, but it is only the beginning. Peace with justice is the only way forward. Let us ensure that this moment is not remembered as a fleeting pause but as the start of a new chapter—one rooted in dignity, equality, and lasting justice for all.
Faisal Kutty is a lawyer, law professor, and frequent contributor to The Toronto Star.
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own.
