Ceasefire? Israel Tests Palestinian Mortality, Again
The mainstream narrative here frames Israeli forces killing five Palestinians as a 'test' of a ceasefire. One might wonder what a ceasefire not being tested looks like for the people in Gaza. For decades, 'ceasefire' has functioned less as a cessation of hostilities and more as a brief interlude for Israel to reassess tactics, while maintaining its blockade and occupation. Netanyahu, and his
predecessors, have consistently applied overwhelming force against a captive population. This pattern was observed after the 2014 Gaza war, subsequent 'ceasefires' which also saw regular incursions and killings. This isn't a 'test'; it’s business as usual under modified diplomatic language. While US politicians like Rep. Steny Hoyer—who received over $100,000 from pro-Israel PACs including
millions from AIPAC throughout his career (OpenSecrets.org data consistently shows this pattern)—continue to echo support for 'Israel's right to defend itself,' the deaths of unarmed Palestinians are framed as unfortunate 'clashes.' How many times must a 'ceasefire' be 'tested' with Palestinian blood before it's called what it is: a continuation of asymmetrical violence under a softer headline?