Israel’s recently signed ceasefire with Hamas may momentarily quiet the sounds of rockets and bombs, but it is far from a resolution to the broader conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government has shown no signs of curbing its expansionist policies or its relentless pursuit of control over Gaza and the West Bank. While the world watches the ceasefire as a sign of potential stability, the reality on the ground tells a much different story, one that casts doubt on the prospects of lasting peace and justice for Palestinians.
Ceasefires are inherently fragile, especially in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. They are often negotiated under immense international pressure, primarily to stop immediate bloodshed. This ceasefire is no different. It may temporarily halt the violence, but it does not address the root causes of the conflict: the occupation, systemic inequalities, and the denial of Palestinian self-determination.
Netanyahu’s government, bolstered by right-wing coalition partners, continues to push for policies that exacerbate tensions. Settler expansions into Palestinian territories are ongoing, and the government’s rhetoric often leans into the narrative of “security” to justify actions that many view as aggressive encroachments. In this context, the ceasefire functions more as a tactical pause for both sides to regroup rather than a step toward a sustainable peace.
Gaza remains one of the most densely populated and heavily controlled areas in the world. For its two million residents, life under blockade is a daily struggle. The Israeli government maintains strict control over goods, people, and essential services entering and leaving Gaza, framing these measures as necessary for security. Yet, the cumulative impact on Gaza’s residents is catastrophic. High unemployment, a crumbling healthcare system, and limited access to clean water are the hallmarks of life in this besieged territory.
Despite international calls for easing the blockade, Netanyahu’s administration has doubled down on measures that critics argue collectively punish Gaza’s civilian population. Ceasefires do little to change this grim status quo; they merely reset the stage for the next escalation.
While Gaza captures much of the world’s attention, the situation in the West Bank is equally alarming. Settler expansions, backed by Israeli state policies, are rapidly altering the demographics and geography of the territory. According to multiple reports, the number of settlers in the West Bank has surpassed 700,000, and their presence is bolstered by a network of roads, checkpoints, and military outposts that isolate Palestinian communities.
These expansions are not random. They are part of a deliberate strategy to create “facts on the ground” that make a two-state solution increasingly unfeasible. The construction of settlements and the displacement of Palestinians from their homes are often justified under the guise of security or historical claims. Yet, for Palestinians, this is nothing less than a slow-motion annexation.
Netanyahu’s political strategy has long revolved around maintaining a state of controlled conflict. By framing himself as Israel’s ultimate protector against external threats, he consolidates support among right-wing voters and deflects attention from domestic issues, including his ongoing corruption trials. A peace treaty that involves significant concessions to Palestinians does not align with this strategy.
Instead, Netanyahu’s focus appears to be on cementing Israeli control over contested areas while managing periodic flare-ups with groups like Hamas. This approach, however, leaves no room for addressing the broader aspirations of the Palestinian people. Without tackling the systemic issues—occupation, inequality, and the right of return for refugees, any ceasefire is merely a Band-Aid on a festering wound.
The international community, particularly Western powers, bears significant responsibility for enabling Israel’s policies. Military aid, diplomatic cover, and tepid condemnations have allowed the Israeli government to act with relative impunity. The recent ceasefire will likely be hailed as a diplomatic success, but such declarations ignore the underlying power dynamics that perpetuate the conflict.
If the international community is serious about peace, it must go beyond supporting ceasefires. It must address the structural inequalities that underpin the conflict, hold all parties accountable for violations of international law, and support initiatives that empower Palestinian voices.
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