Gaza is being wiped out. We need a permanent ceasefire now

During more than 14 months of Israel’s war on Gaza, the word “ceasefire” has been on everyone’s lips. But only the people of Gaza truly understand what such talk really means. 

Despite countless negotiations aimed at bringing about a ceasefire, none have succeeded. Still, whenever discussions heat up about a possible truce, the streets of Gaza come alive. Adults and children alike cheerfully shout about their hopes for peace, although nothing is ever guaranteed. 

They yearn to believe in the possibility of a better future, clinging to any fleeting moments of optimism. Amid our daily struggle for survival, the resilient people of Gaza find joy in the simplest things.

Thus far, we have seen only one brief truce; it took place in November 2023 and lasted only a few days. For the people of Gaza, it was neither satisfying nor enjoyable, but rather filled with pain and sorrow, as many spent those days mourning their lost loved ones. 

People understood that once the truce ended, the violence would only escalate, resulting in even greater suffering. They looked on in helpless anguish at the wreckage of their destroyed homes.

And indeed, once that brief humanitarian truce came to an end, the brutality of the Israeli war intensified dramatically. We’ve witnessed a shocking loss of life, with thousands of mothers and children among the victims. 

Schools meant to shelter displaced families have been relentlessly bombed, and mosques reduced to rubble. Civilians in makeshift tents have suffered horrifically, while hospitals providing care have been mercilessly invaded. 

For more than 14 months, starvation, disease and destruction have become the grim reality for the people of Gaza.

Hope amid sadness

Each time I hear about new negotiations for a ceasefire, I feel increasingly pessimistic, as these discussions never seem to lead anywhere. The reality is that the people of Gaza do not want a temporary truce; they long for a permanent ceasefire, which would allow them to return to their homes and live peacefully. 

They want the freedom to sleep soundly without the terror of bombs; to escape the haunting sounds of Israeli drones; and to be free from the sight of missiles overhead. Their aspirations are simple, yet profound; they wish to pursue their dreams, to educate and learn, to work, and to move about their lives without the constant fear of violence.

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As everyone waits for an end to Israel’s onslaught, children have started to play and joke about the notion, cheering “ceasefire, ceasefire” as they run through the streets.

This momentarily brings smiles to the faces of those around them, who briefly hope it might be real before realising it’s just a game - although the laughter feels good. In those moments, I can’t help but think: what if a ceasefire was really declared, allowing families to return home and restart their lives? Just the thought of that brings a little hope amid all the sadness.

Gaza has essentially become an orphan, receiving neither support nor compassion from an unjust global community

Last month, a ceasefire came into effect for our close ally, Lebanon - a development that brought great joy to Palestinians, who face similar challenges. We hope and pray that Gaza will be next, allowing our people to return home and restore the normalcy we enjoyed before the conflict.

Only those who have lived through war can truly grasp the significance of a ceasefire: the end of bombings, relief from the terror of sleepless nights, and an alleviation of fears that one’s home could collapse at any moment.

Amid my genuine joy for the Lebanese people, I desperately hope for a ceasefire in Gaza. It has been more than 430 days since we last felt safe; since we could sleep soundly, without the dread of losing our loved ones or our own lives. Yet, while the suffering in Lebanon might have lessened, ours seems to be escalating.

After 14 months of a relentless conflict that has ravaged the Gaza Strip and claimed the lives of more than 44,000 people, Palestinians feel abandoned by the world. Gaza has essentially become an orphan, receiving neither support nor compassion from an unjust global community. 

Enough is enough; we are exhausted. The violence in Gaza must end. Our people are being systematically wiped out, starved and bombed day after day. How many more lives must be lost before this war is halted?

The views expressed in this article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial policy of Middle East Eye.