JERUSALEM (AP) — As the bodies of two dozen Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes were brought to hospitals in Gaza on Wednesday, Mohamed Abu Selmiya, the director of Shifa Hospital, raised an urgent question: "Where is the ceasefire? Where are the mediators?" His words echoed the sentiments shared across the war-torn territory for months.
Since a U.S.-brokered truce took effect in October, at least 556 Palestinians have been killed in ongoing Israeli strikes, with 24 casualties reported on Wednesday and 30 on Saturday alone, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. In the same period, four Israeli soldiers have died in Gaza, with others injured, including one soldier who faced severe wounds from militant fire near the ceasefire line in northern Gaza overnight.
Significant issues remain unresolved within the framework of the ceasefire agreement, including the deployment of an international security force, Hamas' disarmament, and the initiation of Gaza's reconstruction efforts. The opening of the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt sparked hopes for further progress; however, fewer than 50 individuals were permitted to cross on Monday.
In October, following months of stalled negotiations, Israel and Hamas accepted a 20-point plan proposed by former U.S. President Donald Trump aimed at concluding the conflict that erupted after Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Trump described the plan as a pathway to "Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace." Under the terms of the agreement, Hamas released all living hostages it held in exchange for thousands of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody and the remains of others.
Despite the initial progress, larger issues regarding the future governance of the Gaza Strip have met with reservations, and a firm timeline from the U.S. has yet to be established. The return of the remains of hostages exceeded the 72-hour window outlined in the deal, with Israel recovering the last remains only last week. Israel has accused Hamas and other militant groups of violating the ceasefire, while Hamas claims it could not immediately locate all remains due to the extensive destruction caused by the conflict, a claim that Israel disputes.
Additionally, the ceasefire called for an immediate influx of humanitarian aid to assist Gaza's population of 2 million. However, United Nations and humanitarian organizations report that aid deliveries have significantly fallen short due to customs clearance issues and other logistical delays. In response, COGAT, the Israeli military body tasked with overseeing aid to Gaza, dismissed U.N. claims as "simply a lie."
Despite accusations on both sides, violence has decreased since the ceasefire began. More than 71,800 Palestinians have been reported killed, per the Gaza Health Ministry, which remains affiliated with the Hamas-led governance of the territory. The October 7 attack resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and around 250 hostages taken by Hamas militants.
Both Israel and Hamas maintain that the ceasefire remains in effect, yet each side accuses the other of violating the terms. Israel claims Hamas fighters operate beyond the ceasefire line, posing threats to Israeli troops, while Hamas accuses Israeli forces of gunfire and strikes on residential areas distant from the front lines.
On Wednesday, five children, including two infants, were among those killed in the latest strikes. Palestinians are urging U.S. and Arab mediators to intervene and halt Israel's actions, which often result in civilian casualties. In a joint statement on Sunday, eight Arab and Muslim nations condemned Israel for its actions since the truce's implementation and called for restraint from all parties to preserve the ceasefire.
Israel insists it responds to daily violations by Hamas while remaining committed to the ceasefire agreement. Military spokesperson Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani noted that one of the military's considerations involves the possibility of Hamas employing deceptive tactics akin to those utilized prior to October 7, preparing for an attack when they find it opportune.
Despite the ongoing violence, some signs of progress have emerged: the return of the remains of the last hostage, the limited reopening of the Rafah crossing, and the formation of a Palestinian committee designated to govern Gaza and oversee reconstruction efforts reflect a willingness to advance the peace agreement. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, instrumental in brokering the truce, indicated a shift towards demilitarization, technocratic governance, and reconstruction.
These will require addressing significant points of contention, including Israel's potential full withdrawal from Gaza and Hamas' disarmament. Although the designation of "ceasefire" remains, growing despair in Gaza permeates the community. Witnessing the aftermath of violence, displaced individuals such as Atallah Abu Hadaiyed expressed uncertainty, stating, "We don't know if we're at war or at peace," underscoring the dire situation on the ground.
