Another beneficial ceasefire violated; conflict escalates further

A ray of hope had lit up as the United Nations and the United States of America’s ceasefire proposal was accepted. It was decided that for 72 hours (3 days), firing and attacks will not be exchanged between Israel and Hamas. Thoughts of partial end of this vociferous war rushed to memory. It looked as if something concrete could be done now. But no. Yet again, this ceasefire couldn’t proceed despite of acceptance. Let alone the negotiations.

The ceasefire had just begun but approximately two hours later reports emerged from Gaza that the attacks had resumed. The Times of India quoted Associated Press report which said Israeli tanks shelled the eastern part of Rafah, which lies close to Gaza’s border with Israel and Egypt, killing at least four people and wounding 15.

The Israeli Defence Force blamed Hamas for violation of this particular ceasefire. A tweet from IDF read, “Once again, Israel accepted a ceasefire. Once again, Hamas violated it.”

The Israeli Defence Force also informed through a tweet that Hamas terrorists killed 2 IDF soldiers during the suspected kidnapping of 2^nd LT. Goldin this morning.

PM Netanyahu has reportedly told Secretary John Kerry that Hamas and the other terrorist orgs in the Gaza strip will bear the consequnces of their actions and that Israel would take all necessary steps against those who call for out destruction and perpretrate terrorism against our citizens.

The United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Robert Serry has expressed deep concern about the serious consequences that could arise following the violation by parties to the Gaza conflict of a humanitarian ceasefire that was set to take affect earlier this morning but quickly fell apart.

“The United Nations is not in a position to independently confirm these reports. However, if corroborated, this would constitute a serious violation of the humanitarian ceasefire in place since 8 am this morning by Gazan militant factions, which should be condemned in the strongest terms,” he said in Jerusalem yesterday.

CNN reported that Israeli officers told them that the ceasefire is over as far as Israel is concerned.

The UN NEWS CENTRE REPORT:

Meanwhile, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, James W. Rawley, along with the Minister of Social Affairs and Agriculture of the State of Palestine, ShawqiIssa, have appealed for $369 million to meet urgent needs in Gaza.

“Ongoing hostilities in Gaza, including bombardment and combat in heavily populated areas, have severely limited the ability of medical staff to save lives, of aid workers to meet needs, or for technicians to repair damage to infrastructure vital to the population. This must stop,” Mr.Rawley urged.

The Gaza Crisis Appeal focuses on supporting access to health and water as well as catering for the needs of the displaced people in Gaza, including food assistance, blankets and mattresses as well as psychosocial support.

“A strong mobilization of resources is required to meet the most urgent needs, particularly those stemming from the massive number of displaced persons and those arising from wide-scale damage to infrastructure,” said Mr.Rawley.

“But resources will mean little if the blockade on Gaza and the denial of Palestinian rights continue. As a first step, all humanitarian agencies should receive safe passage or safe access.”

The Appeal is the first step of humanitarian community to meet the most urgent needs that have arisen as a result of the current emergency in Gaza. The immediate focus is delivering life-saving supplies to the most vulnerable namely displaced persons, the injured, the elderly, children, women, and farmers and fishermen who have lost their livelihoods.

• Spectralhues’s take.

With this extrication of the 72 hours ceasefire, the bloody war has resumed, restoring fear among people. This war has led to a large scale devastation of life and property in both – Israel and Gaza but comparably, more in Gaza. This 72 hours ceasefire was a perfect option and chance to negotiate appropriate things and end up this thing. But despite of sinking, the conflict has now escalated. This ceasefire would have provided a way to deliver help to the victims and other people there.

As the death toll, in the conflict torn region is increasing with every passing day, leaders across the globe have started stating their concerns on this conflict. The ceasefires are being violated, escalating the intensity of this war, again and again. A permanent solution for this conflict is the need of the hour. After all, for how long will this devastation continue? For how long will people be traumatized by these incidents? The biggest question is what is going to be earned out of all this?

Both, Israel as well as Gaza needs to understand that this wreckage has to stop and a mutual understanding needs to be reached. After all lives of people are precious and they should not be put on stake.

• About the Author

About Suyash Karangutkar

Suyash Karangutkar is a young, dedicated and an enthusiastic journalist who has a deep interest in National and International Affairs. He is an ardent political spectator who finds politics fascinating. At Spectralhues, he heads the Mumbai team and covers National Affairs & Politics. He also occasionally writes columns for Spectralhues. He can be followed on Twitter @columnistsuyash