You can find a copy of the ceasefire treaty here. The treaty seems balanced fairly equally on both sides. Israel can no longer treat the Gaza Strip with hostility, and Palestinians may no longer launch rockets or fight across the border. To make a long story short, the ceasefire says "both of you, stop your shenanigans. Now."
Frankly, it's nice seeing attempts against fighting so soon after the conflict began. Although the fact that there was even a conflict in the first place means there is malice on both ends, the immediate action towards a ceasefire points to a desire for peace on both sides. To help with this pursuit of peace, the United States has involved itself in negotiations. Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, although satisfied with the stopping of attacks, has called for a "focus on reaching a durable outcome that promotes regional stability and
advances the security, dignity and legitimate aspirations of
Palestinians and Israelis alike." Furthermore, President Barack Obama has praised the ceasefire. He also plans to help fund the Iron Dome Missile Defense System.Now, there is obviously still deep-rooted hatred in both Palestinians and Israelis; however, this swift ceasefire seems to be a step in the right direction. But, will the ceasefire last, and if so, will it actually hold some significance in the overall scheme of things or will it be ultimately irrelevant?
4 comments:
It is promising to see that this onslaught of violence was pacified rather quickly. However, now that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been brought to the surface, why not tackle the entire issue? Though a cease-fire has been implemented, it is quite possible that, before long, another surge of attacks will break out. It seems that with the violence set aside for now, politicians do not feel the need to linger on the touchy issue any longer. However, ignoring the big picture will simply extend and exacerbate the problem. Clinton's quote seems to imply that she is interested in working towards a solution that will end the conflict. However, I can't help but wonder if her quote is simply an arbitrary response to this never-ending question.
I think the cease-fire is only temporary. I think the cease-fire was reached grudingly, as an Isreali officials said that tougher measure would be implemented in the future. Also, the fact that Obama pledged his support for the Iron Dome system suggests that some sort of reluctant compromise/exchange had to be made.
However, I think the cease-fire plays a significant role in foreshadwoing regional stability in the long run, for it has shown that Egypt, now under the leadership of Muslim Brotherhood (an organization traditionally anti-western world)was willing to help both sides reaching a compromise instead of one-sidely suporting the Palestinians. I speculate that without the inteference of Egypt( conflict with which the Israelis are not ready at all after they focused less on the Egyptain Army after the Camp David peace treaty in the 70's) the Israelis would not have compromised so easily because their troops can easily overrun the Gaza strip. Egypt's reponse at least guarantee the fact that any future conflicts would not escalate into a higer scale. Also if Egyt chooses to arbitrate, Clinton's words would not seem to be a completely arbitraty reponse.
I agree with the BBC analyst Jeremy Bowen who said that the unrest between Israel and Palestine always ends in temporary cease-fires and that the only way for this recent one to produce any tangible resolution to the conflict is if both sides are willing to make sacrifices. I found the treaty to be a bit vague and cursory; therefore it does not get to the root of the problem which could just lead to more violence and instability in the Israel/Gaza region in the near future. At least the people of Israel and Gaza have the ability to put aside their differences, even if it is just for a short period of time, which does show promise of peace. We will have to see how the US and Egypt will react to the current situation to get a good picture of the future between Israel and Palestinians.
I'm glad the conflict was ended before a full-scale war began between the two nations. However, I feel like there have been plenty of short-term conflicts between Israel and Palestine, ending in shaky ceasefires like this one. I do not think relations between them will change, and they'll probably go back to slugging it out sooner or later. I don't know how the ongoing hatred will end, but I have a hard time thinking there will be a peaceful outcome.
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