Witnessing the resilient Palestinians making their way back to northern Gaza, mostly on foot, is a truly humbling experience. They walk with quiet dignity towards what remains of their destroyed homes, determined to rebuild despite their immense grief and loss.
As I mentioned in a recent column, Palestinians are unwavering in their determination. The ceasefire after 15 months of relentless violence brought feelings of relief, gratitude, acknowledgment, and shame.
However, as celebrations erupted, I couldn’t shake off the feeling of fear that lingered in my mind. I was afraid of the rush to declare winners and losers in a situation where only devastation prevailed.
Several quick analyses proclaimed Israel’s defeat and humiliation, focusing on the survival of Hamas. This reminded me of the misguided triumphalism that followed the events of October 7, 2023.
My apprehensions grew as I worried that the ceasefire would only temporarily halt Israel’s aggression in Gaza. I feared that the brutal violence would shift to the occupied West Bank, with innocent lives at risk.
My concerns were further fueled by the acknowledgment given to former US President Donald Trump for his role in securing the ceasefire. The truth was, Trump’s actions were more about self-interest than genuine concern for the suffering of Palestinians.
It was clear to me that Trump saw Palestinians as pawns in a political game, not as human beings deserving of compassion. The ceasefire was a tool for him to boast about his supposed accomplishments as he left office.
True to form, Trump’s true intentions were revealed when he expressed his desire to “clean out” Gaza with the help of neighboring countries. His callous remarks highlighted his disregard for Palestinian lives and his insensitive approach to the conflict.
These sentiments echoed those of his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, who had previously suggested forcibly removing Palestinians from Gaza for financial gain.
The disregard for human rights and the dehumanization of Palestinians by Trump and his associates are alarming. Their plans to evict Palestinians from their homes for profit are deeply concerning.
Despite the outcry against these plans, I fear that the disregard for Palestinian rights will continue in the coming years. The international community’s history of inaction in the face of Palestinian suffering does little to alleviate my concerns.
Ultimately, my fears persist as I see the possibility of further displacement and violence against Palestinians in the future.
The opinions expressed in this article are personal and may not necessarily reflect the views of the editorial team at Al Jazeera.
