The year 2024 marks a tragic anniversary of the war in Gaza, as one reflects on the devastating toll the conflict has taken. US vetoes UN Security Council resolution demanding Gaza ceasefire. It is the fourth time Joe Biden’s administration has vetoed a UNSC Gaza ceasefire resolution since Israel’s war began. With the Israeli military operations continuing under the stated goal of dismantling resistance groups in Gaza. The impact has been catastrophic on civilians including many women and children. Despite the scale of the violence, the Palestinian resistance is there. In such conflicts, the possibility of a ceasefire is often uncertain, shaped by complex geopolitical dynamics, and international pressure. Typically, when both sides reach a breaking point or face mounting diplomatic and humanitarian pressure ceasefire negotiations start. The role of international mediators, the involvement of regional actors, and the nature of any peace talks all contribute to when and how a ceasefire might occur. Currently, the situation remains fluid, with no clear timeline for when the violence will end. The humanitarian crisis continues to deepen, and while ceasefire talks or calls for peace may persist, the entrenched positions and deep-rooted issues make finding a resolution extremely challenging. The situation in Gaza, as described, reflects the extreme humanitarian crisis that has been unfolding in the region, especially in light of the ongoing conflict. The extensive destruction and widespread suffering of civilians have been focal points of international criticism. Reports of airstrikes, damage to infrastructure, displacement of millions, and lack of access to basic needs such as food, water, and medical supplies paint a dire picture of the conditions in Gaza. Geopolitical dynamics surrounding the conflict further exacerbate the situation. The support of Israel by the United States, both diplomatically and militarily, has been a central factor in the continuation of hostilities despite calls for ceasefires from various international bodies, including the United Nations and the International Court of Justice. This global division, particularly the West’s stance, has led to accusations of duplicity and a lack of accountability in addressing the crisis. At the same time, efforts by countries such as South Africa to hold Israel accountable through international legal channels, such as the International Court of Justice, reflect attempts to challenge the status quo. However, these actions have not resulted in meaningful change on the ground so far. The frustration with these failed efforts is palpable, as institutions and global leaders continue to call for restraint. Yet, Israel’s response has remained defiant, largely due to the support it receives from the U.S. The massive scale of displacement and loss of life compound this situation. The failure to deliver humanitarian aid or allow access to critical services intensifies the suffering of civilians in Gaza. Many in the international community, particularly human rights organizations and some governments, have raised alarms over what they describe as potential war crimes and violations of international law, yet the cycle of violence and suffering persists. The ongoing conflict remains a major point of contention in global diplomacy, with calls for a solution often met with political deadlock. For the people of Gaza, however, the immediate concern is survival amidst the devastating effects of the war. The situation in the Middle East, particularly regarding the ongoing conflict involving Israel, Gaza, and Lebanon, remains highly complex and contentious. The violence has escalated significantly, with widespread casualties, including civilians in both Gaza and Lebanon. The international community’s response has been a subject of debate, with calls for ceasefires and peace talks, but little progress in terms of a lasting resolution. The lack of unity among Muslim countries in addressing the crisis has also contributed to criticism of the current international handling of the conflict.
