https://arab.news/phghq
The most common reaction to the ceasefire in Gaza, among both Palestinians and Israelis, has been one of relief rather than joy. This is understandable considering the suffering and trauma that this longest and deadliest round of hostilities between the two has caused. When all is said and done, no one has come out of this war better off, and the result is yet another generation lost to bloodshed, fear, and hatred, along with profound doubts that a better future is around the corner.
Love him or loathe him, it is impossible to imagine this peace deal seeing the light of day without the involvement of US President Donald Trump, as was the case with the ceasefire agreed in January, just before his inauguration. Tragically, he let that agreement be violated by Israel two months later. Yet, what should bother us most about this war, considering the heavy human cost, is that it was allowed to continue for so long, while the international community was reluctant to impose a similar deal that was on the table, with minor variations, even before Trump was returned to the White House. After all, from a strategic military and political perspective, this war had run its course many months ago, and in the case of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, it was obvious that continuing the conflict was entirely a matter of his political survival and attempts to derail his corruption trial. But beyond this war, it is worth reflecting on whether there are also more universal lessons for ending such flare-ups before they are allowed to turn into a catastrophe, such as the one that befell Gaza.
