Delhi | Despite a formal ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, escalating violations have pushed the conflict back into deadly territory, prompting renewed calls for decisive UN intervention. Over 500 people have died since the ceasefire was announced, while the broader conflict has already claimed more than 70,000 Palestinian lives, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry — a staggering humanitarian tragedy that continues to worsen.
Experts and diplomats warn that the persistent breach of the ceasefire reflects not only a security failure but also a breakdown of long-established international diplomatic norms.
Palestine’s Ambassador to India, Dr. Abdullah Shawwesh, described the situation with visible grief, saying, “The atrocities being committed against the people of Palestine have left me heartbroken. Israel’s refusal to implement peace agreements reflects sheer authoritarianism.”
A Ceasefire in Name Only
Reports from hospitals and aid agencies paint a grim picture. Doctors at Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza confirmed that children’s bodies are being brought in daily, many victims of drone strikes near shelters housing displaced families. Reuters has verified the unprecedented scale of civilian casualties, calling it “one of the darkest chapters of modern conflict.”
While the ceasefire technically came into effect on October 10, 2025, violence has continued. Israel claims it is acting only against militants violating the agreement, but both sides have accused each other of breaking the fragile truce. The result is a cycle of strikes, counterstrikes and spiraling fatalities.
A Region on Edge
The conflict’s impact has spilled beyond Gaza.
- Syrian authorities report Israeli raids that killed several civilians in a border village.
- Hezbollah positions in Lebanon have also been targeted.
- In the West Bank, Palestinians allege extrajudicial killings after forced surrenders.
- Near Bethlehem, settler attacks have left at least 100 people injured.
Though nearly all hostages have now been released or their remains recovered, peace remains distant. Two years of war have hollowed out Gaza’s infrastructure, leaving its future uncertain and its population deeply traumatized.
Global Efforts and the Road Ahead
The United States has begun drafting a preliminary roadmap for Gaza’s future, focusing on:
- Deployment of an international security force,
- Formation of an interim administration overseen by U.S. President Donald Trump,
- Steps toward an independent Palestinian state.
International organizations continue to push for urgent relief. Oxfam, active in the region since the 1950s, is working with Israeli and Palestinian partners to support vulnerable communities in Gaza, East Jerusalem and the West Bank.
Diplomatic solidarity has gained momentum as well. Over 50 ambassadors expressed support on International Solidarity Day, calling for global unity in defending Palestinian rights and dignity. Cultural and diplomatic exchanges are also being encouraged to build awareness about the historic and continuing struggles of the Palestinian people.
Indian Voices Call for Peace
In India, several political leaders, diplomats and human rights activists have urged a firm global response.
- Former Foreign Minister Salman Khurshid paid tribute to civilians killed in the conflict, stating, “While Israelis too have suffered losses, the people of Palestine must be given their rightful land. Moving toward peace is the essence of humanity.”
- Former Union Minister Mani Shankar Aiyar called for immediate enforcement of the ceasefire.
- Senior advocate Pramod Kant Saxena demanded an immediate halt to the war.
- Actor-producer Yuvraj Siddharth Singh held discussions with the Palestinian Ambassador and former Minister Salman Khurshid on ways to advocate peace.
- Morocco’s Ambassador Dr. Mahmoud Balki appealed to all nations to unite against the suffering being inflicted on Palestinians.
A Call for UN Intervention
As violence continues despite agreements, many argue that only a strong, enforceable UN mandate can restore calm. Past diplomatic efforts — including the Camp David Peace Accord involving U.S. President Bill Clinton, Israel’s Shimon Peres and Palestine’s Yasser Arafat — have failed to yield lasting solutions.
The present moment, observers say, demands international mediation and accountability.
“Ending this war is no longer a choice but a moral obligation for the global community,” writes Prof. Neelam Mahajan Singh, stressing that the UN must ensure both Israel and Palestine honor the ceasefire.
As the region remains engulfed in fear and uncertainty, the world watches — hoping the guns will finally fall silent, and peace will find its way back to a land scarred by decades of conflict.
