On Tuesday August 26, 2014, Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire following a two-month escalation in their conflict which led to the deaths of more than two thousand people, mostly civilians. Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas announced this agreement, hopeful that this ceasefire may allow the occupation and violence to end.
In this agreement, Israel made certain concessions. Israel agreed to reduce restrictions on border crossings from Egypt into Gaza. Additionally, Israel agreed to lift certain restrictions on fishing off the coast of Gaza, allowing fishers to fish up to six miles off of the coast.
Hamas considers these concessions to constitute a victory for itself and for Palestine. Many Palestinians also agreed with this sentiment, with thousands celebrating on the streets. However, Israeli officials noted that Hamas had previously rejected this settlement, and that this ceasefire could thus be seen as a victory for Israel.
Discussion Questions:
1. Both sides have reasons to believe they have "won" with this accord. Did the terms of the ceasefire favor either side? Which side?
2. Israel's enemies have broken ceasefires many times in the past. Is this ceasefire doomed to a similar fate, or does the Palestinian celebration of this ceasefire indicate a lasting peace?
Articles:
AlJazeera - A Middle-Eastern Source
CNN - A Western Source
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1 comment:
I seriously doubt that a lasting peace will be obtained with these concessions; it'll end up like every other ceasefire before it. Hamas has stated in the past that it does not intend to stop its operations until the blockade is completely lifted, and Israel's policy of disproportionate retaliation will continue to foster resentment in the "occupied territories." Though, both sides win when the bloodshed stops (but more so for the Palestinians)
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