It is a good thing for the peaceful world structure that a ceasefire has been agreed upon to end the Israel-Hamas conflict that has been going on for almost one and a half years. But this and such wars have raised many such burning questions that when the ultimate outcome of the war is to sit at the table and make a compromise, then why does it not happen at the beginning of the war itself? War causes the worst destruction, loss of lives of countless people and destruction, so why should such destruction be allowed to happen? Better late than never, Israel and Hamas on Wednesday agreed to the first draft of a ceasefire agreement, which is the biggest and most important step so far towards ending the conflict. Among other things, the 60-day ceasefire process would include releasing hostages from both sides, increasing aid, rebuilding destroyed Palestine and stopping attacks. After more than a year and a half of war, the ceasefire is a much-needed relief for the Palestinian people and those held hostage by Hamas. Similarly, ending the long running war between Russia and Ukraine is absolutely necessary for a peaceful and advanced world structure. Because due to such wars, not only the warring countries but the entire world suffers, gets disturbed and affected. Thus, continuing to be at war is in itself an extraordinary and highly sensitive matter, which allows the entire world to be pushed towards destruction and devastation. Although no one wins in such wars, yet the occurrence of these wars pushes back both the conquerors and the conquered nations for centuries; apart from causing material loss, it also causes maiming and disability of humanity and huge loss of life. Is made.
The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas that has been going on for the last one and a half years is being considered an important success. Even though there may be a race for this agreement in America to take credit for ending the conflict amid the change of power, it will definitely bring great relief to the people of Gaza from the human tragedy they were facing. Despite all the efforts of the United Nations and repeated initiatives by the Islamic countries of the Middle East and India, peace talks could not be concluded till now. The price of which about fifty thousand people paid with their lives. It may take decades to recover from the devastation this war has caused to various areas of Gaza.
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Undoubtedly, it is important to agree on a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, but until the agreement is seen to be implemented in reality, it will be too early to say anything. It is difficult to say how many Hamas fighters were actually killed in the conflict, but a large number of children and women lost their lives in the war. According to an estimate, about two million people have been displaced due to the humanitarian tragedy arising out of the Gaza conflict. Hospitals and schools, which are considered safe havens for refugees, also became targets in Israeli attacks. Israel was even accused of war crimes in the International Court. However, when conditions for peace are being created after a long time, it becomes the responsibility of the world community, powerful nations and the United Nations to implement the terms of the agreement with clear intention and policy. So that the path to permanent peace and tranquility in the Middle East can be strengthened. Certainly war cannot be an alternative to peace. This conflict may have been started by Hamas, but the biggest price was paid by those who were not responsible for it.
The entire world including the warring countries has been affected by the trauma of war. War trauma refers to the psychological distress and physical-emotional suffering experienced by individuals as a result of traumatic events occurring during war, such as being subjected to violence, harm to others, or losing loved ones due to conflict. War breaks social trust, undermines social cohesion, and damages social and national capital. After armed conflict, society becomes deeply divided into subgroups that fear and hate each other and are willing to continue fighting in the subsequent period despite a ceasefire agreement. People suffering from war trauma often have a reduced desire to reconcile with the other side and find a peaceful solution. Weak civil society and low government capabilities can leave people unable to meet basic needs and easily manipulated by state spoilers or political opponents. This situation often sets the stage for continued cycles of violence.
However, hurt by the Hamas attack in October 2023, Israel is tired of the continuous war on many fronts, but the Arab world is still questioning its credibility. There is such apprehension because many times the talks have derailed as they reached the final stages. Talks and ambushes have been going on continuously. Now it has to be seen in the future how sincerely both sides seem to be committed to the implementation of the agreement. However, differences are emerging among Israel’s opposition political parties and the cabinet regarding the early release of its hostages, but there has also been a demand to provide relief to the Israeli army, which is exhausted after such a long war. However, the hopes for peace have been strengthened by the agreement between Israel and Hamas on the question of ceasefire. While on one hand the current US President Joe Biden and newly elected President Donald Trump are taking credit for the agreement, on the other hand Iran is calling it a victory for the Palestinian resistance.
Currently, the obstacles that come in the way of delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza also have to be removed. In fact, on October 7, 2023, twelve hundred people of Israel were killed in the brutal attacks of Hamas and about two hundred and fifty people were taken hostage by Hamas fighters for bargaining. It was clear that Israel would take revenge for this humiliating incident, but no one expected that the conflict would last for about one and a half years. Although some Israeli hostages were released, some were killed in the fighting, but the Netanyahu government remained under intense pressure to release the remaining hostages. It is difficult to say how many Hamas fighters were actually killed in the conflict, but a large number of children and women lost their lives in the war. According to an estimate, about two million people have been displaced due to the humanitarian tragedy arising from the Gaza conflict. Hospitals and schools, which are considered safe havens for refugees, also became targets in Israeli attacks. Israel was even accused of war crimes in the International Court. Certainly war cannot be an alternative to peace. However, doubts are being expressed whether this agreement will provide a permanent solution to the Palestinian crisis. India has been continuously expressing the need to make efforts to find a solution to this war issue through diplomacy and mutual dialogue. The aim of India has been to eradicate the darkness of war, to bring light of peace and to wish for non-violence and co-existence. That is why Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been continuously trying for a ceasefire and giving guidance to both the countries. Similarly, there is expectation of ceasefire in Russia and Ukraine also. Big powerful nations should make efforts to stop this war. Until Russia’s arrogance is subsumed, the possibilities of war will continue to float in the fields, in the seas and in the sky, hence there is a need that the war should no longer be waged in the world but in weapons.
– Lalit Garg
Writer, Journalist, Columnist
