Following a turbulent 11 days of conflict, a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas went into effect early on Friday, May 21, 2021. The ceasefire brought a much-needed end to the worst outbreak of violence in years, which had claimed the lives of more than 240 people, most of them Palestinians. It had also left parts of Gaza in ruins, while sowing fear and uncertainty in Israel due to the continuous rocket attacks.
However, the ceasefire currently in place is delicate and there are concerns regarding its longevity. While it has been observed by both parties since it took effect, experts warn that the fundamental issues that led to the conflict have not been addressed. This means that the potential for future clashes remains a reality.
The truce was brokered by Egypt, which has traditionally acted as a mediator between Israel and Hamas. Despite the ceasefire, the issues that ignited the latest round of violence remain, including disputes over Jerusalem and its holy sites, as well as the wider political struggle between Israelis and Palestinians.
On the international stage, the conflict has sparked a wave of protests and calls for a more robust response from the global community. In particular, there has been growing pressure on the United States to play a more active role in addressing the conflict and pushing for a two-state solution. However, the U.S. has traditionally been a staunch ally of Israel and has often blocked United Nations resolutions critical of its actions.
While the ceasefire is a positive step towards deescalating the immediate violence, it is clear that a lasting peace in the region is dependent on addressing the underlying causes of the conflict. This includes the need for a fair and equitable solution to the Israeli-Palestinian dispute, which respects the rights and aspirations of both peoples.