Allah Nawaz Khan
The full-scale war between Gaza and Israel began on October 7, 2023. The war has caused immense damage to Gaza. According to reports, more than seventy-two thousand (72,000) Palestinians have been martyred, and hundreds of thousands have been injured. Millions of people are enduring the suffering of displacement. The system of life in Gaza has been severely disrupted.
Ceasefire agreements were reached, but a complete end to the war could not be achieved. There is now a temporary ceasefire, yet Israeli attacks on Gaza continue. Celebrations for the ceasefire were held in 2025, but the ceasefire situation remains extremely unstable. On May 8, 2026, an aerial attack killed nine (9) Palestinians and injured thirty-nine (39). The situation is still serious, and Palestinians are facing difficult conditions. Despite temporary agreements, attacks from the Israeli side continue. Both sides blame each other for the attacks, but given Gaza’s weak position, it is easy to understand who is violating the ceasefire agreement. Displaced Palestinians want to return to their homes, but due to the worsened situation, returning is difficult. The destroyed houses are no longer habitable, yet Palestinians want to live by setting up tents on the sites of their homes. There is a severe shortage of water, food, electricity, medicines, and all other necessities. The delivery of aid supplies to Palestinians has been made extremely difficult. Israel now wants to implement the ceasefire on its own terms. Israel’s biggest demand is that Hamas be completely disarmed. It has also been demanded that the political and economic system come under Israeli control. In reality, the complete elimination of Hamas is part of Israel’s mission. If Hamas is disarmed, it will suffer enormous losses.
Hamas is a popular organization that protects Palestinians. Israel has warned that if Hamas does not disarm, the war could start again. In early 2026, the US and Israel gave Hamas a two-month deadline to disarm. Hamas outright rejected this demand.
A few days ago, the spokesman for Hamas’s military wing, Abu Obaida, stated that his organization rejects any plan related to disarming and considers this proposal through mediators to be a dangerous Israeli conspiracy. Its aim is to achieve what it could not achieve militarily. Abu Obaida’s statements are on record that they do not want to lay down arms under any circumstances. He said that Israel has completely failed in its objectives. It was also said that arms would be taken from Hamas by force. Hamas’s position is that the issue can be resolved through negotiations. Hamas is also a resistance movement and has been in conflict with Israel for a long time. If Hamas lays down its arms, it would mean that Israel has gained complete control over Gaza.
It is clear that even after fighting a long war, Hamas is proving its strength. Israel, as one party, is recognizing Hamas. Hamas is saying that it will not disarm under any circumstances. Now, if a complete ceasefire is achieved, Hamas can manage Gaza in a better way. Hamas can better resolve administrative matters, security issues, currency, and other problems because this party enjoys popular support. Some Palestinians believe that arms should be surrendered so that peace can come. Much damage has already occurred due to the war that has been going on for years. However, if Israel’s demand for disarmament is accepted, the situation will worsen further. In the event of laying down arms, the resistance movement will end because only Hamas is carrying out the resistance.
Warnings have been given that in case of not laying down arms, the Rafah crossing, aid trucks, and reconstruction will all be affected.
Even if a complete ceasefire is achieved, a huge amount of capital will be required for the reconstruction of Gaza. For the rehabilitation of Gaza, it is essential that the war ends completely. The international community should put pressure on Israel to stop the war. Israel is issuing threats of large-scale military operations, but Hamas has rejected these threats. In any case, the war has not ended completely because explosions can be heard in various areas of Gaza. If the war starts again, a very large humanitarian crisis will be created. Millions of people could be killed. The Gaza war is not just a regional dispute but could prove devastating for the entire region. To save humanity, an immediate ceasefire is necessary. Keeping arms for its own security is Hamas’s right, and depriving it of this right is oppression. Hospitals, educational institutions, places of worship, banks, and other buildings in Gaza have been destroyed. Their immediate reconstruction is essential. Continuous bombing, displacement, and mass killings have also had psychological effects on Palestinians, due to which depression and psychological issues have increased. Their treatment is also necessary. Islamic countries should immediately provide funds to Gaza so that the reconstruction of Gaza can begin promptly. Protests have also taken place in many universities and educational institutions around the world, and these protests prove that educated individuals want peace.
If the war does not end, the future of many youth and children will be destroyed. A serious question is: if a ceasefire does not happen, what kind of future will the coming generations face? Peace is the only way that can give the coming generations a better future.
