Gaza; a Fragile Ceasefire and an Uncertain Future

Relieved by the quieter skies, they have no intention of giving up their rights and dignity.  The ceasefire stands but only for now. 

At any moment signs of hope could be shattered by global forces over which they have no influence, making it imperative that individuals, churches, governments and international organisations stand up for justice.

Kairos Palestine, a Christian Palestinian movement issued a sharply focused statement from Bethlehem calling on churches, politicians and global leaders to reject the ethnic cleansing proposal of President Trump and respect the rights of Palestinians to self-determination. 

World Council of Churches’ General Secretary Rev Prof Dr Jerry Pillay said the proposal by President Trump violated ‘every applicable principle of international humanitarian and human rights law’.  In the statement, he urged churches and the Christian community to advocate for the protection of Palestinian lives and rights and press their governments to reject this proposal.

Writing letters, meeting with politicians and participating in local actions are ways Christians can add weight to their prayers for the people and for peace in the Middle East.

The temporary ceasefire came into effect on 19 January, providing immediate relief for the 1.9 million people displaced by 465 days of war across the 365 square kilometres that is the Gaza strip.  

Members of the small Christian community that numbered 1,200 people in 2023 marked Christmas last year.  Some Christians were able to get out of Gaza during the war while others have lost their lives over the last 15 months.

The United Nations says the situation remains dire with most facing severe shortages of food, water, shelter and healthcare.  Drone footage shows 90 per cent of homes and 88 percent of schools have been damaged or destroyed.  The health system barely functions, with 18 of 36 hospitals and 57 of the 142 primary healthcare centres partially operational. 

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East continues operations despite the Israel government’s decision to cease contact.  By 10 February, the World Food Programme had sent 15,000 tonnes of food for more than half a million people.  The World Health Organisation had evacuated 178 patients, of whom 115 were children.  It reports 12,000 to 14,000 require medical evacuation.  Nearly one million people are living in substandard tents, makeshift shelters and overcrowded shelters even though it is winter.

While the ceasefire is at best shaky, United Nations’ agencies are doing their best to send in relief.  Agencies are coordinating activity to make the most of the opportunities.  Churches and faith-based agencies are also contributing.  The need for immediate relief is very great.

At any moment the fragile ceasefire might break, and the aid deliveries stop.  The Israeli government has used the opportunity of the ceasefire to intensify attacks on the West Bank, land taken by Israel after the Six Day War in 1967 and not recognised by the United Nations – hence the name, the Occupied Palestinian Territory.  Around 3,000 families in the northern Jenin camp have fled due to military actions.  The UN reported 894 fatalities in the West Bank in January alone.

There is little talk of paying for the costly work of reconstruction and healing from the mental trauma from the brutality of the war. The population of Gaza is very young and many of the children were already profoundly affected by their experiences from previous attacks.  The US State Department has signalled that it plans to sell US$7 billion more weapons and bombs to Israel. 

Israel controls the border access and has blocked delivery of building materials including concrete and medical equipment through the crossings as part of its ongoing occupation.

There is no question that Palestinians want to stay in Palestine.  What is being tested is the global commitment to the Right of Return and other international law. For the last 76 years the voices and the rights of the Palestinian people have been ignored in this humanitarian crisis.   The government of Israel and its supporters must recognise the humanity of the Palestinians and their fundamental right to live in dignity and peace.  Without justice, there cannot be peace.