What does lie ahead for Gazans?

There was euphoria in Gaza following the announcement of ceasefire deal between the Palestinian militant group, Hamas, and Israel on Wednesday. The ceasefire deal that came into effect on Sunday (January 19) following approval by the Israeli cabinet was brokered by the US, Qatar and Egypt. However, the ceasefire took effect at 9:15 GMT on Sunday after about three hours' delay. The delay, as expected, was caused by Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu who claimed that Hamas had not sent the list of the Israeli hostages to be released on Sunday. The Palestinian militant group Hamas explained the matter saying that it was due to 'technical reasons' and complexity of the field situation marked by continued Israeli bombing that caused the delay in disclosing the names of three female hostages.
Netanyahu, who would use any excuse to spill Palestinian blood did kill at least 19 Gazans during the delay. According to the Hamas, 120 people were killed in Israeli bombing since Wednesday (January 15) when the announcement of the ceasefire deal was made. Now, as agreed in document for 42 days' temporary suspension of hostilities, a total of 33 Israeli hostages will be released in exchange for 1890 Palestinians held in Israeli jails. Also, as per the truce deal, Israel will gradually withdraw its army from Gaza. At the end of the second week of the truce, the second phase of the ceasefire is set to start. Though details of the second phase are yet to be worked out in full, it is expected that during this phase, the remaining Israeli hostages would be released by Hamas. Israel, on its part, will also free many more Palestinians from Israeli jails. The understanding is that Israel will fully withdraw its troops from Gaza. Meanwhile, UN relief trucks will flow into Gaza with emergency supply of foods, medicines and other necessities for the famished residents of the enclave.
Notably, the residents of Gaza were subjected not only to non-stop aerial bombardment and artillery shelling on the ground by Israeli military during its last fifteen months' campaign against the Hamas, they were also denied food, water and other necessities as entry of any UN relief materials was blocked by Netanyahu government and his political thugs.
Indeed, it all sounds good at a time when the Palestinians were facing the dark prospect of total annihilation or expulsion from Gaza. For with the collapse of the Assad regime in Syria, which was a conduit for supplying mostly Iranian arms and weapons to Hezbollah, was cut off unexpectedly throwing the Lebanese militant group's war of attrition against Israel into disarray. As a result, Hamas was left to fight the Israeli forces alone without any help from outside. The fall of Syria also presented an unforeseen opportunity before Israel's Netanyahu to finally fulfil his dream of creating greater Israel as encapsulated in the slogan, 'from the river to sea'. And that would be done by annexing West Bank, clearing Gaza of its population and occupying parts of Lebanon and Syria. With unconditional support from the USA, Netanyahu saw no problem going ahead with his mission to kill all Palestinians and grab all their lands. Things were progressing according to plan as Gazans were being exterminated without any outcry raised by the Western powers, the so-called champions of morality, humanity and all that is noble on earth! But suddenly came this idea of ceasefire to stop Mr Netanyahu's grand mission in its tracks.
It appears the US, with its new team for the White House, has a different plan. So, the ceasefire deal, which could not be reached during the last eight months, thanks to Mr Netanyahu and his extremist cabinet colleagues like Ben-Gvir's stiff opposition to it, is, in all probability, now forced upon them. The real picture of what is happening behind the scene is yet to unfold fully. Meanwhile, the people of Gaza and the rest of Palestine will be left wondering what the future holds in store for them.

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