Current Israel Hamas Cease-Fire

On August 10th, 2014, it was reported that the cease-fire negotiated days earlier by Egyptian leaders between Israel and Palestinian groups such as Hamas and Islamic Jihad was still in place. This cease-fire has allowed food to be brought in for those in Gaza affected by Israel’s invasion into the Occupied Palestinian Territory. And it seems that this has been very good for those working on the group. In a CNN report,

“Erika Tovar, a spokeswoman for the International Committee of the Red Cross” was quoted as saying that “[n]ow we are able to move around better because of the cease-fire.”

This new halt in conflict follows a broken cease-fire from last Friday, where militants in Gaza began shooting rockets, which led to Israel attacking again. The militants were said to be upset with the cease-fire talks, since they did not include the ending of the Gaza blockade by Israel.

In fact, this will be among the main issues if a long-term cease fire will be in place. As CNN explains,

“Israel wants Hamas, the militant Islamic group that runs Gaza, to disarm as part of a demilitarization of the territory. Hamas, meanwhile, is demanding a series of measures, including an end to Israel’s blockade on Gaza, an extension of fishing rights off the coast and the reopening of air and seaports.”

Whether Israel will end the blockade remains to be seen. Many in the international community have been highly critical of their continued control of the various space (such as access by sea) in Gaza, despite arguments Israeli leaders have made saying that they gave up the occupation in the territory in 2005. Yet, as long as the blockade is in place, Gazans will continue to suffer, as they are unable to have access to building materials or sufficient medicines.

Thus, hopefully the cease-fire will be permanent, so that Israel’s invasion of Gaza will end, and the citizens’ rights will be protected (of course both the rights of Israeli and Palestinian citizens). It will also be important to keep in mind, if there is a cease-fire, what the international community will say or do regarding war crimes committed during this month of conflict.