A Fragile Peace: Can a Ceasefire End the Genocide in Gaza?

In an era marked by turmoil and suffering, a glimmer of hope surfaces as a ceasefire is declared between Israeli forces and Hamas. This pause in hostilities raises critical questions about its potential to end two years of brutal genocide or merely serve as a temporary respite before violence resumes.

The Ceasefire Agreement

On October 9, 2025, Palestinians gathered at Nusairat Camp to celebrate news of a new ceasefire agreement brokered in Egypt. This deal promises to halt the bombardment temporarily, withdraw some Israeli forces, allow more humanitarian aid through crossings, and facilitate a prisoner exchange. However, the absence of binding terms leaves many skeptical about its longevity.

The arrangement relies heavily on the U.S., under President Donald Trump’s administration, to ensure compliance by Israel. Despite this diplomatic maneuvering, Israeli strikes persisted even as the agreement was announced, with tanks targeting displaced families attempting to return home. The areas intended for resettlement were systematically destroyed over the past two years, making any attempt perilous.

A Truce on Paper

While the ceasefire holds promise on paper, reality presents a more complex picture. The first phase of the deal allows people to return to certain parts of Gaza City and the north, yet these regions remain inhospitable due to extensive destruction. The threat of renewed violence looms large as families navigate this precarious peace.

Adding to the uncertainty is what some Israeli media refer to as a “secret clause.” Reports suggest that if Hamas fails to locate every captive within 72 hours, Israel might have grounds to restart hostilities—a claim denied by Hamas leadership.

A Fragile Framework

The ceasefire agreement reflects Trump’s “20-Point Plan,” which outlines steps toward ending the genocide but lacks specificity and enforceable guarantees. Critics argue it leans heavily on U.S. enforcement of limits on Israel, a dubious prospect given historical precedents.

This plan envisions a foreign-managed administration for Gaza’s future while deferring critical issues like sovereignty and reconstruction to an undefined later date. Without sustained international pressure, there remains a risk that control by force will persist indefinitely at the expense of Palestinian lives.

Global Pressure and Local Realities

The ceasefire emerges amid growing global pressure on governments worldwide to act against the prolonged violence in Gaza. Even as it is seen as a victory for Trump, his administration was compelled to intervene due to shifting political sentiments within his own base and broader U.S. public opinion, which increasingly challenges the longstanding “special relationship” with Israel.

While any pause in hostilities offers respite and hope, many fear this ceasefire may only delay inevitable confrontation. Netanyahu’s past tactics suggest a propensity for destabilizing Gaza as a means of maintaining control—using slow-walked aid or orchestrated friction to justify renewed aggression.

Moving Forward

As Palestinians cautiously embrace the temporary relief offered by the ceasefire, the global community faces the challenge of sustaining pressure to secure a lasting resolution. This requires more than diplomatic gestures; it necessitates binding commitments to end the war, lift blockades, and ensure real freedom for Palestinians.

The fight against genocide in Gaza is far from over, but every moment of peace—every night when children can sleep without fear—is precious. The path forward demands vigilance, solidarity, and unwavering advocacy for a future where justice prevails over colonial legacies.

Original Article Source: Mondoweiss