If the ceasefire comes into effect in Gaza, as announced by Trump, it would give people a chance to recuperate
It has been almost a year and a half since the Israel-Hamas conflict started. In the name of obliterating Hamas, Israel rained miseries on the people of Gaza, with the world watching haplessly as the bombs flattened Gaza, sparing no one — not even hospitals, children, and women. The indiscriminate shelling has resulted in untold miseries for the people; even food and medical supplies are not reaching Gaza. But now it looks like there may be some respite in sight. US President Donald Trump has announced that Israel has agreed to a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza, but subject to “necessary conditions.” The proposal, however, is still awaiting a formal response from Hamas, the Palestinian militant group that governs the Gaza Strip. Trump shared the announcement via a post on Truth Social, stating that the ceasefire proposal would be delivered by Qatar and Egypt, two key mediators that have consistently played crucial roles in negotiations between the two sides. This announcement comes just days before Trump is set to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House. Trump has urged Hamas to seize the opportunity.
For the people of Gaza, the ceasefire could mean a much needed respite. Since hostilities reignited, the region has seen widespread destruction and a humanitarian catastrophe unfolding on a daily basis. Over 50,000 people are estimated to have lost their lives in Gaza since the beginning of this latest war, with thousands more injured, displaced, or missing. Entire neighbourhoods have been reduced to rubble, schools and hospitals have been completed destroyed, and aid has barely trickled in since the ceasefire breakdown in March. If the ceasefire holds, it would mark the first sustained pause in violence since the breakdown. It could pave the way for renewed humanitarian assistance, medical evacuations, and the restoration of basic infrastructure. More importantly, it might offer a brief but crucial chance for exhausted civilians to recover, mourn, and rebuild what little remains of their lives. While Israel’s agreement to the ceasefire is a significant step, history suggests that such truces have been violated by both sides and resumed hostilities. The previous ceasefire that began on January 19 unraveled within weeks, with both sides accusing each other of violations. In March, Israel resumed its strikes, alleging Hamas breached the terms of the truce — a claim Hamas denied.
This time, the Trump administration appears to be applying heavier diplomatic pressure to bring all parties to the table. Yet, scepticism remains high. Hamas has not issued a formal response and is likely weighing its options in the context of mounting civilian casualties and international scrutiny. Meanwhile, hardline factions within Israel’s political establishment may also resist a prolonged ceasefire if it is perceived as a concession or weakness. Beyond politics and geopolitics, this ceasefire — if implemented — could serve as a turning point for Gaza’s devastated population. The region cannot withstand much more. The violence must stop, even temporarily, for the sake of innocent civilians.
