Joe Biden shared an optimistic outlook on Tuesday after announcing a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hezbollah, brokered by the U.S. “It reminds us that peace is possible,” he stated, marking an end to a 14-month conflict that claimed nearly 4,000 lives and displaced hundreds of thousands.
For Biden, this agreement is a significant achievement after months of attempts to curb Israel’s actions post the horrific Hamas attacks in October 2023. More importantly, it offers relief to the people of Lebanon, who suffered greatly under the bombing campaigns and ground invasions. Meanwhile, for the 60,000 Israelis who’ve been displaced by Hezbollah rockets, there’s hope of returning home after a prolonged stay in camps.
While the ceasefire in Israel’s northern region raises hopes for wider progress, Gaza’s ongoing devastation continues grimly. Despite this, the agreement shouldn’t be overestimated, as it primarily aligns with the interests of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Hezbollah’s weakened state allowed Israel to separate its conflicts in Lebanon and Gaza, achieving a ceasefire that allows for greater freedom in Gaza. Referring back to a rarely enforced UN resolution from the 2006 Lebanon war, this deal requires Israeli forces to leave and Hezbollah to retreat north of the Litani River. This time, the buffer zone is likely more sustainable, given Hezbollah’s current disarray and lack of resources.
With Hezbollah, a strong Iranian ally, out of the immediate equation, Netanyahu can pursue aggressive policies elsewhere, especially concerning Tehran. In Gaza, he shows no interest in peace talks, even as the death toll surpasses 44,000, mostly women and children, disappointing mediators like Qatar who have paused their efforts.
To achieve lasting peace, solutions must be sought beyond Gaza, addressing realistic conditions for a viable Palestinian state. As the late Salvadoran bishop Óscar Romero once said, “Peace is not the silence of cemeteries…” This sentiment rings especially true in Gaza’s continued tragedy. Yet, Netanyahu appears uninterested in peace, focusing instead on avoiding a corruption trial and an election that could stir voter dissatisfaction. His strategy seems to involve maintaining a national crisis and placating the far-right elements in his government, who envision new settlements in a devastated Gaza.
As Donald Trump gears up to take over from Joe Biden, one can only hope his approach to immediate solutions opens new avenues for peace. However, while there’s a positive shift in the north, the situation remains dire for those in the Gaza Strip.
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