Editor’s Note: The City on a Hill Press editorial board has chosen to refer to the “Israel Defense Forces” as the “Israel Offensive Forces” in our coverage out of recognition for the role they play in the oppression of the Palestinian people.
Olive trees have been an enduring symbol of Palestinians’ intrinsic ties to their land. As millions of Palestinian families return to their homes after 15 months of genocide, they not only have found their residences decimated, but their olive groves burned to the ground.
Despite this immense loss, with patience and resilience, the olive groves will regrow — just as Palestinian cities, people, and their culture have done many times before.
In the 15 months since the Hamas attack on October 7th 2023, roughly 47,800 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli attacks. Thousands more have been taken as political prisoners by Israel. Over 1.8 million across the Gaza strip have been displaced.
In the shadow of this destruction, Gaza is finally entering a period of ceasefire. Brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, the ceasefire was announced Wednesday, Jan. 15 and went into effect Jan. 19.
The implementation of the ceasefire was delayed as Netanyahu conducted negotiations with far right members of the Israeli government.
Between the time of the announcement and its implementation, 119 Palestinians were murdered by Israeli armed forces. This happened up to the last minute before the ceasefire went into effect.
On the first day of the ceasefire, Israel launched their deadly “Iron Wall” operation in the West Bank city of Jenin. The Israel Offensive Forces (IOF) bombed and raided the Palestinian city, killing at least 10 people and displacing 2,000 families.
It is clear that, despite the agreement, Palestinians are still under attack. As relieving as the prospect of a ceasefire sounds, we cannot turn our eyes away. At this crucial junction, we must not stop our efforts to ensure the end to Palestinian suffering.
The Phases of the Ceasefire
During Phase 1, which began as soon as the agreement went into effect, Hamas agreed to release 33 Israeli hostages. In return, Israel agreed to release nearly 2,000 Palestinian hostages. Israel also agreed to withdraw from all populated regions in Gaza, and humanitarian aid will be allowed to enter Gaza.
Despite the progress that the agreement represents, many remain skeptical of whether it will hold. The global political landscape has shifted to pessimism about the ceasefire’s longevity. President Trump stated that he is not confident in the continuance of the ceasefire and has said to Netanyahu: “This has to end. We want it to end, but to keep doing what has to be done.”
On the sixteenth day of the ceasefire, Feb. 3, negotiations for the second and third stages are set to begin.
If the ceasefire holds until Phase 2, Israel will be expected to fully withdraw all troops from Gaza. All Israeli hostages are to be returned home, and more Palestinian hostages will be returned to their families.
However, Israel has already stated that it won’t abide by a total withdrawal until Hamas’ military and political power is eradicated. Hamas has stated it won’t release the last Israeli hostages until all of Israel’s troops leave Gaza.
If at any point Israel deems talks “futile,” President Trump supports the continuation of the siege on Gaza. If an agreement cannot be reached, the genocide will continue.
Netanyahu states, “If we must return to fighting, we will do that in new, forceful ways.”
Phase 3 is a 3 to 5 year rebuilding plan of devastated Gazan lands with international supervision. This phase will only occur if Israel and Hamas come to an agreement to proceed past Phase 2.
The outcome of the ceasefire will not guarantee Palestinian safety or freedom.
Rebuilding Gaza
As Gazans mourn their families, homes and communities lost during the genocide, their right to the land of Gaza must be respected.
But that respect is not a given.
Israel’s defense minister, Israel Katz, announced on Jan. 17 the release of Israeli settlers imprisoned after illegally occupying the West Bank. Katz has stated that he wants to strengthen the occupying settler movement, as he believes this will counteract “Palestinian terrorism” and “security challenges.” He has said “It is better for the families of Jewish settlers to be happy than the families of released terrorists.”
The new Trump administration has made statements suggesting unconditional support for Israel. U.N. ambassador nominee Elise Stefanik is quoted saying Israel has a “biblical right to the entire West Bank.” Stefanik also said that she would oppose any U.S. funds going to the U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA).
President Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner has referred to Gaza’s beachfront property as “very valuable.” He has stated that “It’s a little bit of an unfortunate situation there, but from Israel’s perspective I would do my best to move the people out and then clean it up.”
Those concerned about the fate of Palestinians must continue to mobilize and put pressure on their institutions and elected officials. We must continue to demand divestment, demand accountability, and demand humanity.
As the time to rebuild comes closer, Gaza must be rebuilt for Gazans, by Gazans. The homes, buildings and neighborhoods destroyed by Israeli missiles must not become the foundations for new settlements.
The path forward remains uncertain. Positive outcomes are contingent on good faith adherence to a ceasefire agreement that does not make guarantees for Palestinian liberation. There are reasons for hope and optimism, but only if it is coupled with vigilance, accountability and continued mobilization on behalf of liberation.
As students, as humans, we must remain steadfast in demanding the best from our university, our politicians, and ourselves. We must demand that Palestinians everywhere are allowed to rest in the shade of their own olive trees.
