Displaced individuals tormented by hunger and displacement are left wondering when the conflict in Gaza will cease. Their disappointment is evident, especially as wars involving Israel and Lebanon, Iran, and even India and Pakistan have concluded, while Gaza remains trapped in the midst of the longest war in the history of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
All other wars have halted without an accompanying agreement to end the conflict in Gaza. Plans and agreements are discussed, yet the fate of Gaza remains uncertain. Will there be an end to the war soon? This uncertainty reflects the tired sentiments of Osama Al-Najjar, a displaced resident of Khan Younis, who highlights the exhausting toll the prolonged conflict has taken on the people of Gaza.
Al-Najjar fears that the war in Gaza might extend indefinitely, stating that the population is paying an exorbitant price for the ongoing conflict.
He shares with an outlet: “We hoped that the negotiation framework for resolving wars would include a resolution for Gaza’s conflict, but nothing of that sort has materialized. Gaza continues to grapple with death and fear, and weary displaced individuals repeatedly ask: When will Gaza’s turn come?”
Meanwhile, with wars in the region ceasing, Gazans are feeling a growing sense of disillusionment. They believed that Israel’s conflicts with Lebanon and Iran were intrinsically connected to the Gaza issue and that those wars would not conclude until the war in Gaza ended. However, this has not been the case; the flames of war continue to scorch the faces of Gazans, undiminished.
Additionally, Misbah Abu Mansi from Deir al-Balah expresses concern that the cessation of Israel’s recent conflict with Iran may lead to a singular focus on Gaza by Israel. This possibility raises alarm among residents and is seen as a dire indication of increased military assaults and broader operations, according to him.
He elaborates: “The U.S. President halted the war between Israel and Iran, and we later heard statements about progress in negotiations for a truce and putting an end to the war in Gaza. Yet, we are still anxiously waiting, with no real signs of its imminent conclusion. The Israeli response, as articulated by Smotrich, indicates a more aggressive approach towards Gaza.”
Obstacles
In political circles, analyst Mohamed Draghme notes that the American administration is making significant efforts to find a resolution based on the plan of its special envoy for the Middle East, Steve Wittekoff. Efforts are currently focused on overcoming persistent obstacles to an agreement, and he points out that halting the Israeli-Iranian conflict has created a strong opportunity for such a settlement.
Draghme explains that negotiations are presently being facilitated by intermediaries from Washington, Cairo, and Doha, centering on major roadblocks like a ceasefire during discussions and the withdrawal of Israeli troops to their positions prior to the resumption of hostilities in March.
Reports suggest that the American side has made minor adjustments to Wittekoff’s plan, with current political maneuvers revolving around these amendments and the acceptable formulations for both parties.
Although ending the war with Iran has opened a pathway to resolve the Gaza conflict, a sense of despair hangs over the residents of the enclave regarding the chances of reaching an agreement. The American intervention remains the critical factor in determining whether a resolution can be achieved and how the hostilities will finally conclude.