Israel resumed enforcing a US-brokered ceasefire in Gaza after air strikes on Sunday, responding to alleged Hamas violations in Rafah, Southern Gaza, where an anti-tank missile and gunfire killed two IDF soldiers. Hamas denied involvement, claiming no contact with fighters there and accusing Israel of arming criminal gangs. Strikes targeted Hamas sites across Gaza, killing 44 people per hospital sources, including militants and civilians in areas like Bureij, Khan Younis, and Nuseirat. Trump affirmed the ceasefire holds, attributing incidents to possible “rebels” within Hamas. Hamas accused Israel of providing arms to a criminal gang of looters. The deal, effective October 10, includes fighting halt, partial Israeli withdrawal, and exchanges: Hamas released all living hostages and 12 out of the 28 deceased; Israel freed 250 prisoners, 1,718 detainees, and 15 deceased. Tensions persist amid internal clashes and US warnings of potential Hamas attacks on civilians.
A ceasefire seemed like a potential end to the war, but it was more a redirection. Without compromise from either side, the solution doesn’t seem any closer. This is important to acknowledge because this event has led to the UN discussing becoming involved to initiate cooperation between the territories and encourage peaceful negotiations. Additionally, the strikes have currently suspended aid being received and have limited available help for those harmed and suffering from the attacks and other occurrences during the war, which undermine the existing relief efforts.
Following the strikes, IDF claimed “had begun renewed enforcement of the ceasefire”, adding that it would uphold the agreement and “respond firmly to any violation of it”. It is unclear whether the ceasefire will be followed, and whether it is going to protect either side from future attacks. International government officials have gathered to discuss the plan to encourage peace in the middle east. After the violations of the agreement, officials should acknowledge the unstable agreement and focus on repairing relations first. In addition, Israel and Palestine’s governments could revisit ceasefire terms and the obligations of both sides.
This event is an example of how realism can create conflict. There is no hegemon in the middle east, so they are fighting for control. States outside of the middle east region are creating alliances to come together to calm aggression in the middle east. These external actors want to prevent development of nuclear weapons in the middle east and monitor which weapons they have access to maintain their own security as their number one priority before acknowledging the impact of conflict on the functionality of the region. This also connects to the idea of national interest, countries will make sure their wellbeing is put first above anything else to ensure their own safety and prioritize national growth.