As the world’s attention wanes, the situation in Gaza remains dire, with the ceasefire proving to be little more than a “reducefire.” Despite the supposed truce, near-daily attacks persist, resulting in significant casualties. At the end of October alone, nearly 100 Palestinians were killed in a single day. Since the ceasefire began on October 10, over 300 Palestinians have lost their lives, with nearly 1,000 injured. These numbers are expected to rise, as the international focus shifts away from the ongoing conflict.
The current period has been described by Amnesty International’s Secretary General, Agnès Callamard, as a “dangerous illusion that life in Gaza is returning to normal.” She emphasizes that despite a reduction in attacks and some aid entering Gaza, the crisis is far from over. Callamard warns, “The world must not be fooled. Israel’s genocide is not over.”
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
Despite some aid being allowed into Gaza, the humanitarian situation remains critical. Since the ceasefire, Israeli authorities have blocked the entry of nearly 6,500 tonnes of UN-coordinated relief materials. In the two weeks following the ceasefire, shipments of essential supplies from 17 international NGOs were denied entry, according to Oxfam.
This blockade leaves the population in Gaza in a state of limbo, unable to secure adequate shelter or food. The onset of colder weather exacerbates the situation, with thousands living in makeshift tents. The blockade continues to serve as a form of collective punishment, preventing any semblance of normal life from taking root.
Expanding Conflict in the West Bank
Meanwhile, in the West Bank, Israeli military operations have intensified. Since October 7, 2023, tens of thousands of Palestinians have been displaced in what Human Rights Watch describes as “war crimes, crimes against humanity, and ethnic cleansing.” The organization calls for these actions to be investigated and prosecuted.
Recent footage from Jenin shows the execution of two Palestinian men by Israeli soldiers after they appeared to surrender. This incident, which has sparked outrage, was supported by Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s far-right national security minister, who stated that the soldiers “acted exactly as expected of them – terrorists must die.”
Over the past two years, more than 1,000 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank, with children making up one-fifth of the casualties. The UN recorded over 260 settler attacks in October alone, the highest since it began keeping records 20 years ago. Alarmingly, more than 93% of investigations into these attacks result in no charges.
Regional Tensions: Syria and Lebanon
Israel’s military operations extend beyond Palestinian territories. Last week, Israeli forces launched a ground incursion into southern Syria, killing 13 Syrians, including children. The Israeli military has not provided details about the raid, maintaining its right to operate in Syrian territory. Human Rights Watch accuses Israel of employing colonial tactics similar to those used in Palestinian territories.
In Lebanon, despite a peace deal negotiated last November, Israeli attacks have intensified. The country remains in a precarious state, with 64,000 people still displaced from their homes following last year’s conflict. Israel continues to launch attacks from five strategic vantage points, claiming to target Hezbollah-linked sites. The UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon reports over 10,000 violations of the ceasefire by Israel, resulting in hundreds of deaths.
The Path Forward
The current ceasefires across the region are volatile and unsustainable. Despite diplomatic language around phased ceasefires and reconstruction, the reality is that peace remains elusive. The ongoing actions of Israel across territories it has no legal claim over must be addressed for any meaningful resolution to emerge.
The situation in Gaza, Palestine, and the wider Middle East remains precarious. The illusion that life is returning to normal is likely to shatter unless there is a significant shift in international attention and policy. As the conflict continues to evolve, the world must remain vigilant and proactive in seeking a just and lasting peace.
