No more Eid for the people of Gaza

The completion of six months since the conflict between Israel and Gaza was marked on last April 7. However, referring to it solely as an Israel-Hamas war would be inaccurate. In addition to Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) also played a significant role in the conflict. Furthermore, it's essential to recognise that the casualties were not limited to Hamas alone; tragically, 33,000 Palestinians lost their lives. Thus, it's more accurate to describe the conflict as the Israel-Gaza war. The West Bank, another part of the Palestinian territory, is under heavy Israeli monitoring and is governed by Mahmoud Abbas, a relatively moderate and well-connected leader. Abbas, supported by the international community, particularly the West, primarily through the Palestinian Authority, advocates for a peaceful resolution.

It's noteworthy that Israel withdrew its troops from the Khan Yunus area of southern Gaza on April 7, coinciding with the completion of six months since the conflict began. However, the presence of a brigade of Israeli troops remaining in Gaza, even after the withdrawal from Khan Yunus, indicates that the situation remains tense. This marks the first instance of Israeli troop withdrawal from the battlefield in the past six months. Nevertheless, it's crucial to understand that withdrawal does not equate to an end to hostilities or a decrease in intensity. Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Army Staff Herji Haveli emphasized, "The withdrawal of troops from Gaza does not signify the conclusion of the war." Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant further elaborated that following the withdrawal from Gaza, Israel is preparing for subsequent operations in other areas, including Rafah. Gallant noted, "We have reached a juncture where Gaza is no longer under Hamas control," asserting that Hamas no longer poses a military threat to the State of Israel. Additionally, Israel has mentioned that they are reverting to a state of readiness.

Now, let's delve into what unfolded. Behind the political and military maneuvers lies the clandestine realm of backstage negotiations. Numerous factors influenced Israel's decision to withdraw. With the impending elections in the United States looming large, and given Israel's profound reliance on the U.S., the political landscape becomes paramount. President Biden finds himself grappling with mounting pressure from a significant portion of the public and Democratic Party leadership to bring an end to Israel's military offensive.

The tide turned further against Israel's campaign following the tragic killing of seven workers from the charitable organisation World Central Kitchen in early April. This incident reverberated across the Western world, intensifying the condemnation of Israel's actions. Notably, among the seven victims, three were British, with one each from Australia, Poland, and Canada.

Moreover, the Biden administration is cognizant of the potential impact of the American Muslim community's vote in the upcoming elections. Thus, the administration has issued stern warnings to Israel, indicating that the U.S. may reconsider its Gaza policy if Israel persists in its indiscriminate airstrikes resulting in civilian casualties.

On April 1, Israel launched an attack on the Iranian embassy in Syria, resulting in the deaths of seven individuals, including Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Zahedi, a high-ranking official of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the head of the Al Quds Force. In retaliation, Iran vowed to respond. Subsequently, on April 5, both the United States and Israel issued simultaneous warnings, cautioning that Iran might target US and Israeli bases and assets in various parts of the world within the next week or two.

Israel's relationship with certain influential Muslim countries has compelled it to exercise caution during the ongoing month of Ramadan and the approaching Eid festival. The Israeli government is keen to avoid any actions that could result in the loss of Palestinian civilian lives, considering the potential repercussions from these Muslim-majority nations.

Reports suggest that a meeting has occurred in Egypt involving the heads of the US intelligence agency, the CIA, and Israel's intelligence agency, Mossad, with representatives of Hamas purportedly in attendance. Speculation about a temporary ceasefire has emerged, reminiscent of a similar agreement reached between Israel and Hamas last November, which led to the exchange of hundreds of prisoners. Notably, Hamas currently holds 133 Israeli hostages.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces mounting pressure within Israel due to his failure to secure the release of these hostages. Demonstrations demanding Netanyahu's resignation have been ongoing in Tel Aviv, with thousands of people joining the protests daily.

Irrespective of the circumstances, the harsh reality remains that Eid festivities are but a distant dream for the people of Gaza. The joy of children donning new clothes is a luxury beyond reach, as concerns over clothing pale in comparison to the struggle for basic necessities. Thousands of families, comprising nearly the entire population of Gaza, find themselves in desperate need of food and even drinking water. The meager aid trickling into Gaza is woefully inadequate for its 2.3 million residents.

Many Gazans have sought refuge under makeshift tents, their homes reduced to rubble. In such dire conditions, the mere thought of celebrating Eid or observing the final days of fasting seems unimaginable. However, amidst their plight, they may endeavor to observe the last fast and Eid, albeit in a state of hunger and deprivation.

Eid celebrations in Gaza are anticipated to occur on April 10, with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) making preparations to facilitate modest festivities. While the resources are limited, at least the people of Gaza will be able to enjoy some of their traditional sweets and pitha bread.

However, the question arises: what happens after the prayers and well-wishes from the Muslim world? In my personal opinion, the conflict in Gaza is unlikely to conclude; rather, it may escalate further, with potential repercussions following Eid. Lebanon's Hezbollah has intensified rocket attacks into Israel following the assault on the Iranian embassy, signaling a potential escalation in hostilities. Additionally, Yemen's Houthi rebels may step up their assaults in the Red Sea region.

Even if Israel were to deploy troops into Lebanon, it would hardly come as a surprise given the volatile situation. The specter of continued conflict looms large over the region, casting a shadow of uncertainty and apprehension.

Author: Journalist and writer.