Gaza Celebrates Ceasefire: Israel Prepares for Next 'Phase'
Palestinians in Gaza celebrate a ceasefire, a moment of respite from the US-supplied bombs that have rendered their homes rubble. Meanwhile, in Tel Aviv, joy is reportedly tempered with the Israeli government's commitment to 'continue fighting until full victory,' a line eerily similar to declarations made before 2008's Operation Cast Lead, 2014's Operation Protective Edge, and countless others.
Each 'ceasefire' proves to be a mere interlude for Israel to rearm and restrategize, often with unconditional US military aid. For instance, the Biden administration approved a $14.5 billion arms package to Israel in October 2023, rubber-stamped by a Congress that often finds bipartisan agreement only on sending weapons. So, Palestinians get a brief moment to breathe before the next 'self-defense
operation' inevitably begins. How many times can a population 'celebrate' not being bombed before the word loses all meaning? It appears 'peace' for Gaza is merely the absence of active bombardment, while for Tel Aviv, it's a strategic pause. One wonders if any major media outlet will ever ask what 'full victory' looks like when the vanquished are already confined to an open-air prison.