On January 19, 2025, after 15 months of devastating Israeli military actions in Gaza, a ceasefire was declared, bringing temporary relief to the besieged region. However, this pause in hostilities does not signal an end to Israeli occupation or violence but instead marks a strategic shift towards the West Bank, where military repression and human rights abuses are escalating. The ceasefire’s fragility is compounded by the continued blockade of Gaza, the obstruction of humanitarian aid, and the intensifying military operations in the West Bank, including mass arrests, incursions, and settler violence. The Trump administration’s return to power further shields Israeli actions from international accountability, reinforcing U.S. complicity in the occupation. This article examines the geopolitical implications of the ceasefire, the shifting focus of Israeli aggression, and the potential for future escalation, arguing that without addressing the underlying issues of occupation, peace remains elusive. Through a critical analysis of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank, as well as the regional and international responses, this paper questions whether the ceasefire is a genuine step toward peace or merely another cycle of oppression.
Join our mailing list