Fragile Ceasefire Overshadowed by Gaza’s Bloodiest Day
The announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has been marked by devastating violence, making the hours surrounding the agreement "the bloodiest day in the past week" for Gaza. According to Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson for Gaza's Civil Defense agency, at least 115 people were killed, including 28 children and 31 women, with over 265 injured in relentless airstrikes.
Despite the ceasefire announcement, Israeli forces carried out extensive bombings across Gaza, targeting approximately 50 sites, including Hamas and Islamic Jihad militants, military compounds, and weapons storage facilities. These strikes led to significant civilian casualties, drawing widespread international condemnation. Witnesses reported harrowing scenes, such as lifeless children’s bodies shrouded alongside other victims at Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital, where airstrikes caused catastrophic loss of life.
The United Nations’ Human Rights Council strongly criticized the airstrikes, calling them indiscriminate and urging all parties to honor the ceasefire. "We are dismayed that shortly after the deal was announced, Israel continued bombing Gaza, killing Palestinian civilians despite expectations of calm until the ceasefire takes effect," the council stated. The ceasefire agreement, brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, is seen as a vital first step toward ending 15 months of intense and bloody conflict.
The conflict’s toll is staggering, with over 46,500 people killed, including thousands of children, according to local health officials. For the people of Gaza, the relentless violence has left entire communities devastated. In one account captured by NBC News, a man mourned the death of his children, saying, "They were sleeping happily with the news of the truce. Then the Israeli airplanes shelled us."
The ceasefire agreement outlines an initial six-week phase, which includes a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces and the release of hostages held by Hamas. While the international community, including the UN Secretary-General, has welcomed this step, the road to lasting peace remains uncertain. Deep historical grievances and mutual distrust complicate the implementation of any peace framework.
This recent escalation underscores the fragility of the situation in Gaza. The Israeli government’s vote on the ceasefire deal is critical, as it determines whether the agreement can take effect as early as Sunday. However, the continuing strikes and loss of civilian lives cast doubt on the immediate prospects for stability.
As the world looks on, the need for accountability and a genuine commitment to peace has never been more urgent. The ceasefire, while a potential turning point, cannot undo the immense suffering of the past months. For lasting peace to take hold, all parties must address the underlying issues fueling the conflict. Until then, the people of Gaza and Israel remain caught in a cycle of violence that devastates lives and erodes hope for the future.
Refrence From:www.ndtv.com