Peace Promised, Bloodshed Prevails: 115 Dead, Including 28 Children, as Gaza’s Ceasefire Awaits Sunday Start

The announcement of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas offers a sliver of hope to the war-torn region of Gaza. However, the ongoing violence continues to overshadow this fragile truce. Within just 48 hours of the ceasefire announcement, over 115 people, including 28 children and 31 women, have been killed, with 265 injured, according to Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson for Gaza's Civil Defense agency.

Despite the global anticipation of calm, relentless airstrikes have added to the devastation, leaving families shattered and raising questions about the viability of this agreement.

Ceasefire Too Late for Many

• Personal Losses Amid Celebrations
  Akram Abu Ahmed, a Gaza resident and sole survivor of a deadly airstrike, recounted the moment he lost his wife and three children, including his doctor daughter.
  “Dust and screams surrounded me. Is this what they aim for? Killing doctors? Why did you kill my daughter?”
• Innocence Lost
  In one of the most heart-wrenching scenes, four children, sleeping peacefully after hearing news of the ceasefire, were killed in an airstrike.
• Their lifeless bodies were found outside Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza City. A witness mourned:
  “They were sleeping happily with the news of the truce. Then the Israeli airplanes shelled us.”

Key Developments Post-Ceasefire Announcement

• Continued Airstrikes
  The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported strikes on 50 locations across Gaza, targeting alleged Hamas and Islamic Jihad sites.
• Despite international condemnation, these strikes resulted in heavy civilian casualties.
  The IDF claimed the targets included military compounds and weapons storage facilities, but the death toll among non-combatants tells a grim tale.
• Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
  The 15-month-long offensive in Gaza has resulted in over 46,500 deaths, including thousands of children. A Lancet study estimates the toll to be much higher, with 64,260 deaths between October 2023 and June 2024.
  
• Families continue to struggle with displacement, hunger, and inadequate medical care, compounding the humanitarian crisis.

Ceasefire Provisions: A Roadmap to Peace?

The ceasefire, brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the US, lays out a framework for restoring calm and addressing immediate humanitarian needs:

• Six-Week Initial Phase
  • Gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.
  • Release of hostages by Hamas and Palestinian prisoners by Israel.
  • Humanitarian aid, with up to 600 supply trucks daily, entering Gaza.
• Access to Medical Care
  • Wounded Palestinians will be allowed to leave Gaza for treatment.
  • The Rafah crossing with Egypt will open for humanitarian movement.

Global Condemnation and Skepticism

• UN’s Response
  The United Nations Human Rights Council strongly condemned the strikes following the ceasefire announcement:
  “We are dismayed that shortly after the deal was announced, Israel continued bombing Gaza indiscriminately, killing Palestinian civilians despite expectations of calm.”
• Challenges to Implementation
  The Israeli government’s approval of the ceasefire on Friday has raised hopes, but doubts persist.
  • While the ceasefire is expected to take effect on Sunday, ongoing airstrikes have cast a shadow over its success.
  • The IDF’s lack of written guarantees not to resume attacks further complicates the truce.

A Critical First Step, But a Long Road Ahead

The international community, including UN Secretary-General António Guterres, has welcomed the ceasefire as a “critical first step” towards ending the conflict. However, the road to lasting peace remains uncertain.

• Broader Implications
  The ceasefire agreement is only a temporary measure. Long-term peace depends on addressing deep-rooted historical tensions and ensuring justice for victims on both sides.
  • The Palestinian Authority has been suggested as an interim governing body for Gaza’s reconstruction, but this remains a contentious issue.
• Hope Amidst Devastation
  Families like Akram Abu Ahmed’s represent the human cost of the conflict. For them, the ceasefire comes too late, but it holds a promise for others who dream of rebuilding their live

Source: NDTV WORLD & NBC News