Democracy Under Siege
February 28, 2025
Khojaly Genocide: Remembering the Victims – Seeking the Justice
March 2, 2025
Waqas Ali Khoso
After 15 months of indiscriminate Israeli bombardment, the genocidal campaign of Israel ended with a ceasefire agreement with Hamas on January 15. The mass slaughter, which damaged or destroyed almost two-thirds of the total structures in the Gaza Strip, resulted in entire families being wiped out, hospitals being turned into graveyards, and a whole generation of children being left traumatized.
Israel’s ongoing military raids in the West Bank signal the possible collapse of the ceasefire.
The truce is currently functional. However, it appears unlikely to endure for much longer because of Israel’s changing priorities, ongoing large-scale military raids in the West Bank, and the proposed plans of mass ethnic cleansing in the Gaza Strip.
The aggression initiated by settlers and military personnel in the West Bank marks the primary indication of the possible collapse of the ceasefire. With the inception of the agreement, Israel started an extensive military operation in the Jenin refugee camp, which has spread to other areas, such as Tubas and Tulkarem in the West Bank.
Israel’s military actions through airstrikes and ground raids have resulted in the deaths of more than 40 Palestinians, the demolition of residential buildings, damage to essential infrastructure, and the forced displacement of over 40,000 Palestinians. These actions of the Israeli government have increased concerns regarding its commitment to maintaining the ceasefire and securing lasting peace in the region.
Statements from the Israeli officials further weaken the viability and sustainability of the ceasefire. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly said that the truce is “short-term” and that Israel has the right to return to fighting if or when deemed necessary. The far-right members of the Israeli government have publicly voiced support for the official annexation of the West Bank.
Financial Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a critical component of the Netanyahu cabinet, has also threatened to withdraw his support if the ceasefire agreement reaches its second phase. This Internal discord creates intense obstacles to achieving a stable ceasefire. Suppose the hardline members of the coalition gain success in pushing their agenda. In that case, the ceasefire will likely collapse and be replaced by an intensified aggressive campaign designed to control all occupied parts permanently.
Far-right Israeli officials push for annexation, threatening to end the truce and escalate aggression.
The danger of ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity remains high. Recent remarks made by US President Donald Trump, pointing to the forcible displacement of Palestinian people to neighboring countries and the redevelopment plan of Gaza under US ownership and turning the place into what he called the “Riviera of the Middle East,” are in blatant violation of international law and would amount to ethnic cleansing. Any action to expel Palestinians under the guise of “voluntary” resettlement will exacerbate the tensions in the Gaza Strip and beyond.
The inflammatory remarks represent the ingrained notion that justifies the compelled relocation of whole populations as a permissible political strategy. Trump’s bold remarks reflect the most terrifying historical episodes of ethnic cleansing that took place during colonial times. Thankfully, the world conscience stood firm, as the international community immediately united in strongly condemning this proposal.
Israel’s aggressive ambitions receive backing from US officials who defend the Israeli expansionist strategy. US Ambassador to the UN Elise Stefanik stated that Israel has a “biblical right” to the West Bank. The nominee for US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, sparked outrage through his statements, saying, “There is no such thing as a Palestinian.” These declarations stand as more than personal sentiments since they depict the expanding nature of coordination of American policy with Israeli actions that have become increasingly lethal.
At its core, the Gaza ceasefire is emblematic of a more significant crisis defined by structural inequalities and political pragmatism. Multiple factors, including Israeli territorial expansion strategies, aggressive government actions, and dehumanizing US rhetoric, all point to one inescapable conclusion: the ceasefire, as it stands, is unlikely to survive.
Ongoing developments, including Trump’s plan to own Gaza, Israel’s decision to halt the release of additional Palestinian prisoners, and political pressure on Netanyahu from right-wing politicians have increased doubts about the continuity of the ceasefire. The first phase of the Gaza ceasefire will end on March 1, 2025.
However, negotiations on the second phase of the truce have not materialized yet. With every passing day, it becomes evident that Israel is looking for different methods to return to the war in Gaza and continue its genocide.
US rhetoric, including Trump’s Gaza redevelopment plan, suggests complicity in ethnic cleansing.
The way Israel is specifically targeting and provoking Palestinians both in Gaza and the West Bank clearly shows their intentions of acquiring more illegal land in the remaining Palestinian territories. The ceasefire has successfully decreased mass killings in the Gaza Strip, which is a relief to Palestinians. But it has not yet resulted inthe complete end of violence. Since 19th January, Israel has killed over 100 Palestinians and injured more than 800 people.
It is uncertain for how long the fragile ceasefire is going to hold on but the current situation clearly indicates that it is doomed to collapse. The international community has an obligation to play its crucial part in maintaining the ceasefire by putting pressure on Israel and bringing lasting peace in Palestinian territories.
The echoes of resumption of war and territorial expansion should be highly condemned. This is a challenge for the world to defend the human rights and dignity of Palestinians as well as their sovereignty. If Israel is not held accountable for the deaths of over 47,000 Palestinians, then horrific episodes of war and genocide will continue to take place. And the Palestinian people will continue to suffer at the merciless hands of Israel and its powerful allies.
Waqas Ali Khoso is an undergraduate student of International Relations at the University of Sindh, Jamshoro and an Intern at Islamabad Policy Research Institute (IPRI)
