By Motaher Hossain

After devastating bloodshed, loss of lives, and widespread destruction of proper ty, the war in the besieged Gaza Strip has come to an end. This ceasefire offers a much-needed moment of relief and hope for the people of Gaza, Palestine, and the global community. The turning point came on January 15, when Steven Witkoff, U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy, made a critical phone call to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's team. This phone call marked the beginning of the path toward a ceasefire. Despite initial resistance due to the Jewish Sabbath, Witkoff insisted on meeting Netanyahu immediately to push forward the peace process.

On January 19, at 11:30 AM local time, the long-anticipated ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect. The ceasefire agreement was mediated by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar. Under the agreement, Israel released 95 Palestinian detainees, including women and children, in exchange for Hamas releasing three Israeli hostages.

This truce followed months of relentless violence. On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a large-scale cross-border attack, killing 1,020 Israelis and taking 250 hostages. Israel responded with some of the most intense airstrikes and ground offensives in recent history, leaving much of Gaza in ruins. According to Gaza’s health ministry, the death toll exceeded 47,800, with thousands more injured or missing under rubble. Around 2 million residents have been displaced, with 85% of Gaza’s population forced to leave their homes.

The war left Gaza on the brink of collapse. Hospitals, schools, homes, and essential infrastructure like water and power systems have been decimated. Humanitarian organizations report severe shortages of food, clean water, medicine, and shelter. Immediate aid is required to provide food, water, medical supplies, and shelter to displaced families. Injured individuals and those suffering from trauma need urgent medical and psychological care. Organizations like the UN and Red Cross must coordinate efforts to ensure these needs are met.

Thousands of homes, schools, and hospitals need to be rebuilt. Power grids and water supply systems must be restored urgently to provide basic services to residents. Special emphasis must be placed on rebuilding educational institutions to ensure children can return to school. Gaza’s economy has been devastated. Rebuilding local businesses, supporting agriculture, and creating job opportunities are vital for long-term recovery. International funding from organizations like the World Bank and IMF will be essential to revitalize the region.

Mental health support for children and families is crucial to address the trauma caused by the war. Programs providing counseling, education, and safe spaces for children are necessary for healing and rebuilding lives. While the ceasefire is a significant achievement, it is fragile without a long-term political resolution.

A sustainable solution requires:

A comprehensive peace agreement between Israel and Palestine is essential. A two-state solution, long advocated by the UN, must remain the cornerstone of these efforts. The UN, U.S., and other global actors must mediate to ensure all parties adhere to the ceasefire and work toward a lasting resolution.

Justice and Accountability:

War crimes and atrocities committed during the conflict must be investigated. Victims deserve justice through international courts, such as the International Criminal Court (ICC).  Media must play a pivotal role in raising awareness about the ongoing crisis in Gaza. Providing accurate and unbiased information will ensure global solidarity and pressure on political leaders to act. Rebuilding Gaza will require significant international funding. Financial institutions like the World Bank and donor nations must step up to finance infrastructure projects, healthcare, and education. Around 2 million Palestinians remain displaced, with many taking refuge in neighboring countries. Comprehensive plans are needed to repatriate and reintegrate these refugees into a safe and stable Gaza.

Previous ceasefire attempts in Gaza have often failed due to a lack of trust and unresolved political disputes. For example, attempts to broker peace after the 2021 conflict collapsed due to continued hostilities and a lack of international pressure. This time, the global community must ensure that both parties remain committed to the terms of the truce and address underlying issues such as border control, economic restrictions, and access to essential goods and services.

The path to peace in Gaza is fraught with challenges but not impossible. A multi-pronged approach involving humanitarian aid, reconstruction, economic recovery, and political solutions is essential. The international community must stay engaged and committed to ensuring that Gaza moves from devastation to stability and growth. Only through sustained efforts, political will, and global cooperation can the people of Gaza hope for a brighter future free from war and oppression.

The writer is a, Journalist and General Secretary, Bangladesh Climate Change Journalist Forum.