After claiming “great accomplishments,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announces ceasefire in Gaza operation. This follows 11 days of airstrikes on the people of Gaza, leaving at least 232 Gazans dead. 12 Israelis were also killed. Both sides claim victory.
Gaza-born Yousef Alhelou offers an insider’s perspective on the siege of Gaza, describing the current situation, as well as Israel’s methods and Palestinians’ state of mind. The ongoing siege imposed on Gaza is the longest in modern history and has had disastrous consequences on all aspects of life. Any truce or ceasefire that does not address lifting the siege and ending the human suffering is doomed to fail… Meanwhile, Netanyahu promises still more attacks on Gaza…
The past week has seen the promise of peace shattered, first by an Israeli incursion into Gaza (7 Palestinian, 1 Israeli dead), then Gaza’s rocket retaliation (1 Israeli Palestinian dead), then Israel’s retaliation (7 Palestinians dead). Israel’s defense minister has resigned, and a new, fragile ceasefire is in effect.
Last weekend saw an escalation of violence that started when Israeli military infiltrated Gaza, initiated a firefight, and retreated under cover of shelling. One Israeli and 7 Palestinians were killed, and Hamas responded with rockets. Today, factions in the besieged Gaza Strip say they have agreed to an Egypt-brokered ceasefire. “The resistance will respect this declaration as long as the Zionist enemy respects it.”