In the new, expanded war on the Gaza Strip, former U.S. President Donald Trump released his own plan to end the conflict. He has said that his plan would allow for a negotiated swap of hostages and political prisoners. This announcement comes during an extended and complex national crisis. These areas have been dramatically affected by Israel’s creation of thousands of settlements and farms, which have expanded into Gaza territory. In doing so, Israel hopes to permanently consolidate its control over these Palestinian lands. At the same time, the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to worsen as displaced people clamour for justice, accountability and freedom to return to their homes.
The Gaza Strip, a contentious area since 1948, serves as a constant reminder of the unresolved issues surrounding Palestinian rights and sovereignty. The establishment of around 7,000 Israeli settlements has taken up 20% of Gaza’s land, exacerbating tensions and draining the region’s already scarce water resources. Almost 400,000 Israeli settlers currently inhabit lands annexed from the West Bank, East Jerusalem and Gaza. Their presence greatly complicates the prospects of finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The Cycle of Violence
Ever since Israel’s unilateral evacuation of all Israeli settlements in Gaza in 2005, conditions have worsened across the board in Gaza. On September 12, the Israeli army had slammed shut the gates to the Gaza Strip, sealing off its more than one million inhabitants. Over the last two years, Israel has systematically leveled parts of the Gaza Strip. This destruction has contributed to the deaths of over 44,000 Palestinians and caused the injury of over 215,000. The general military aggression has led to grave human rights concerns and rapid violation of human rights requiring immediate international intervention.
Diana Buttu, a prominent legal expert on Palestinian issues, emphasized the gravity of the situation: “But if you do not pressure the Israelis, Israel will turn Gaza into an open-air prison.” To this day, Israel’s military occupation has completely normalized violence against Palestinians. This humanitarian crisis has created a vast and dark chasm of hopelessness for the people who call Gaza home.
Most saw the Oslo peace process as a replacement route to peace. Beyond its calls for both parties to act, it has been criticized for being vague and for not addressing key issues such as borders, settlements, refugee rights and the status of Jerusalem. As one member of the legal team noted, “Major issues such as borders, settlements, the rights of millions of refugees, and Jerusalem were taken off the table indefinitely.”
The Role of International Diplomacy
In the absence of any regime change or other magic bullet amid this escalating crisis, international diplomacy will be key. Various representatives from global organizations have voiced their concerns about the situation in Gaza. “You have to try to work with the Israelis to figure something out,” stated an international organization representative.
With history as their guide, many are still skeptical of whether this latest round of diplomacy will produce real results. As some diplomats observe, “You have to remember, this is a fragile coalition so the statements that they make in public are not what they actually mean.” This ambiguity deepens concerns about the sincerity of world leaders’ commitment to truly tackling the unprecedented humanitarian crisis presently engulfing Gaza.
Demands for an immediate stop of the violence can be heard all over diplomatic Washington. “Cease the bloodshed,” cry out public servants who are in touch with the sad reality and feel the growing demand for calm. While humanitarian conditions in Gaza continue to deteriorate, settlements in the West Bank are accelerating—nearly doubled since the last accords. This leaves the prospect for resolution looking ever more dim.
The Human Cost
The human toll of this ongoing conflict is indescribably heart-wrenching. Palestinians endure two forms of violence: Israeli military actions and perceived Western indifference. Not until their pain brings international media attention do they even seem to find themselves included in conversations seeking a peaceful resolution.
The emotional impact on families is profound. Muhammad al-Durrah’s mother poignantly expressed her hope for her child’s future: “At least she will grow up and not have to see the Israeli army.” This feeling expresses the hopeless desire for a restful life that countless Palestinian households have, as you can see in this video of Shadi Hamid.
The legacy of past massacres still looms large, changing the way people interact and react within this ongoing conflict. Ariel Sharon’s visit to al-Aqsa mosque compound on September 28, 2000, exemplified Israel’s stance on Jerusalem—highlighting an unwillingness to compromise on key issues that matter profoundly to Palestinians.