The Israel-Palestine war of 2023 — started immediately after the sudden attacks of Hamas on Israelis in Gaza — has passed more than a week, leading to the death of several thousand Israelis and Palestinians, mostly civilians. According to multiple sources including the BBC, the conditions of civilians in the Gaza Strip are dire, to say the least, driven by the continued aerial bombardment of the Israeli forces and a complete blockade. Along with many residential buildings, a hospital has also been attacked. But there is no indication of a ceasefire and ending the war between Israel and Hamas, increasing the possibility of the ground operations of the Israeli forces and further deterioration of the conditions of the Gaza Strip.
Given that Israel carries out ground operations in the Gaza Strip, driven by the lack of any initiative to make a ceasefire between the warring parties and several other factors, the number of civilian deaths and the extent of the devastation will be higher without any doubt. It is notable that thousands of Palestinians have already left their homes and many are at the risk of leaving Gaza driven by continued bombardment. But the densely populated nature of the Gaza Strip may make it difficult to distinguish between combatants and civilians, leading to high casualties. Among others, the use of asymmetrical warfare tactics by Hamas in Gaza, including embedding themselves within civilian infrastructure, may further complicate the situation and increase the risk of civilian casualties in ground operations. But, importantly, ground military operations and their potential high civilian casualties may also bring other parties into the war risking its spread to the entire region.
An effective ceasefire deal leading to a peaceful solution to the Israel-Palestine crisis is definitely desired. But there are diverse challenges to reaching an effective ceasefire at this moment. High casualties in Israel are one of the crucial factors that have probably led Israel to the position of taking revenge against Hamas. Israel has repeatedly said the intention to demolish the latter. Among others, complex geopolitical dynamics and expectations regarding the ongoing attacks and counterattacks may further complicate the path toward a ceasefire. It may, moreover, be difficult to effectively maintain any ceasefire deal — even if it is reached — driven by the lack of a comprehensive peace agreement and unresolved issues, along with the lack of an effective monitoring mechanism to oversee compliance. Both parties broke ceasefires earlier.
Because of possible civilian impacts and escalation, ground operations in the Gaza Strip are not desirable. But civilians are civilians, no matter whether they are Palestinians or Israelis. It is, therefore, imperative for the parties to refrain from killing civilians and avoid the mistreatment of civilians. But it is crucial to take steps to reach a ceasefire deal between the parties, though it may be difficult to be effective at this moment, given the extent of the conflict. In the ceasefire deal, the inclusion of several concerns including the withdrawal of the Gaza blockade and the release of Hamas-held hostages is desired. But following the ceasefire, the resolution of the Israel-Palestine crisis is also crucial for peace.
Amir M Sayem
Chief Editor
Dhaka Opinion Magazine
