Can US university protests, ICC action and Hamas ceasefire proposal end Gaza conflict?

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OPINION

By Ahmed Hadji

In recent weeks, the Israel-Palestine conflict marred by devastating loss, with a staggering death toll of 35,287 Palestinians and 1,139 people killed in Israel since October 7.

Against this grim backdrop, a series of significant world events have unfolded, intensifying pressure for an end to the conflict.

Widespread University protests in the United States and the International Criminal Court’s consideration of war crimes charges against Israeli leaders have spurred global action. Hamas’ acceptance of a proposed ceasefire deal, brokered by Qatar, Egypt and with the US mediation, offers hope for peace. However, uncertainties persist due to ongoing hostilities in Rafah and Israel’s ban on Al Jazeera TV coverage, complicating the situation.

The protests that swept across 130 US universities have significantly heightened pressure on the conflict. Spearheaded by organisations such as Students for Justice in Palestine and Jewish Voice for Peace, these demonstrations advocate university divestment from companies profiting from the Gaza conflict and amnesty for protesters, thereby deepening the ongoing discourse.

Despite controversies like instances of antisemitism and Islamophobia, some universities have committed to reviewing investments in Israel and considering divestment from implicated companies, highlighting the urgent need for solutions to end violence and suffering in Gaza.

However, amid this wave of activism, US President Joe Biden has made it clear that while dissent is crucial for democracy, maintaining order is paramount. The protests continue to draw attention and spark important conversations.

The ICC’s potential legal action against Israeli political figures, including Prime Minister Netanyahu, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and senior military officials, for alleged war crimes such as weaponising food aid, adds urgency to the Gaza crisis. Indictments could profoundly affect Israel’s global reputation, underlining the importance of accountability in conflict resolution for fostering lasting peace.

Moreover, there has been a heightened global call for a ceasefire, with diplomatic efforts led by the US intensifying to halt hostilities and facilitate prisoner exchanges.

However, achieving a sustainable peace requires addressing fundamental issues such as the withdrawal of Israeli forces and the repatriation of displaced families.

The ceasefire proposal accepted by Hamas on Monday was met with cautious optimism by Palestinians celebrating in the streets of Gaza, while in Tel Aviv, families of hostages and their supporters urged Israeli leaders to embrace the deal.

However, Israel swiftly responded, stating that the terms accepted by Hamas fell short of meeting its demands. Despite this, Israel agreed to send negotiators to engage in further discussions with mediators.

The ongoing Israel bombardments in the southern Gaza city of Rafah underscores the complexities of reaching a lasting ceasefire. Israel reiterated its commitment to its military operations in Rafah, emphasising the unanimous decision of its war cabinet to maintain pressure on Hamas.

The back-and-forth between the two sides highlights the delicate balance of power and the challenges inherent in negotiating a resolution to the Gaza crisis.

As both parties engage in talks mediated by Qatar and Egypt, the hopes for a ceasefire remain tempered by the stark realities on the ground.

These developments underscore the multifaceted nature of the Gaza crisis and emphasise the importance of legal accountability and diplomatic engagement in achieving a resolution.

As international pressure mounts, there is a growing recognition of the need for comprehensive and inclusive approaches to address the root causes of the conflict and pave the way for a peaceful co-existence of Israelis and Palestinians.

The writer is a foreign affairs analyst, an adjunct senior fellow with the Center for Policy and Strategic Studies (CPSS) Africa and provost at the Lincoln Institute for Diplomacy and International Relations, Kampala, Uganda