By Jamal Zaqout
Photos: Wikimedia Commons
The ceasefire agreement brokered by the Trump administration no longer marks the end of the tragedy in Gaza, but rather the beginning of a more complex and sensitive phase, one in which the interests of regional and international powers intersect, while Israel attempts to establish new political and security realities that ensure its continued control without bearing the consequences of its occupation.
At the heart of this scene is the central question: What can the Palestinians do to curb Israel’s colonial and aggressive plans, protect the unity of our people, and prevent Tel Aviv from further fragmenting us?
The Israeli war government is treating the ceasefire as an opportunity to consolidate what it failed to achieve militarily by imposing the equation of “calm in exchange for Israeli security.” It seeks to transform Gaza into an entity isolated from the rest of Palestine. The new hostages in this situation are the aid, shelter, reconstruction, and nationhood that Palestinians need—all of which are held captive by Israel.
Meanwhile, Israel continues to confine the Palestinian Authority to a marginal administrative role in the West Bank, deepening the geographic and political separation between the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.
Israel’s declared and actual goal is to impose permanent “security guardianship,” under international or regional cover, while continuing its settlement activity and annexation policy. This will guarantee the burial of the idea of an independent Palestinian state and the right of return…READ MORE
