The term 'ceasefire' should be self-evident, yet Israel's strikes have killed scores in Lebanon since agreeing a truce with Hezbollah under US pressure, with both sides trading fire. A strike hit Beirut on Wednesday. Benjamin Netanyahu's government would be delighted to resume war with Iran but fears Donald Trump's wrath as he seeks an exit from conflict.
Gaza Truce Violations
In Gaza, Israeli forces have killed over 800 people since the October truce, striking almost daily. This is not a true ceasefire but a de-escalation, however necessary. Lethal attacks on an engineer and drivers transporting water have intensified the water crisis fueling infectious diseases. Médecins Sans Frontières calls the weaponisation of water supplies collective punishment. Never mind the estimated $70bn reconstruction cost; homes are still flattened. Families in tents face a rat infestation. Essential medicines are unavailable. Hospitals and schools lie in ruins. An analysis of the war's impact on education describes children feeling 'like the living dead'.
Broken Commitments
Israel agreed to end attacks, massively increase aid, and withdraw forces to a 'yellow line' covering 53% of the territory. Yet strikes continue, aid flows yo-yo, and essential items are blocked as 'dual use'. The military has expanded its zone of control, including unmarked areas where Palestinians are considered legitimate targets. Israel's Army Radio says military leaders push to resume war.
Far from pressing Netanyahu to uphold phase one commitments, the US-led Board of Peace says it will not hold Israel to them unless Hamas agrees to phase two disarmament, per a document obtained by the Times of Israel. The letter from envoy Nickolay Mladenov and US official Aryeh Lightstone states that if Hamas rejects plans, Israel won't be expected to stop attacks or allow aid. Israeli support for anti-Hamas militias in Gaza hardly aids disarmament.
Global Inaction
The world has turned from the horrors of the genocidal war following Hamas's 7 October 2023 atrocities. There's a chilling contrast between Israel's swift punishment of soldiers disrespecting Jesus statues in Lebanon and the lack of accountability when Palestinians are abused, killed, or disappear. Where is the outrage?
Trump fixates on Iran and domestic support; he's unlikely to act on Gaza unless renewed Israeli offensive derails his Iran exit. Europe has leverage but fails to use it. As anger grows, governments must translate condemnation into action. Trade agreements should not survive continued flouting of Israel's commitments, never mind the threat of a return to an unchecked annihilation campaign.
