Chicagoans Demand End to War in Gaza as Ceasefire Starts between Israel and Hezbollah
A Ceasefire, but Not the End of the Fight
A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah was announced on Tuesday, marking a near 14-month war that has left more than 3,000 dead in Lebanon. However, Chicagoans say the fight is far from over.
Unresolved Conflicts in Gaza
The ceasefire is a major step towards ending the regionwide unrest triggered by Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. However, it does not address the war in Gaza, where Hamas is still holding dozens of hostages and the conflict is more intractable.
Israel’s View on the Ceasefire
“We hope for similar progress in Gaza, including the release of the hostages and the removal of Hamas,” said Yiman Cohen, consul general of Israel to the Midwest, in a statement.
Palestinian Supporters’ Demands
Despite the ceasefire, Palestinian supporters in Chicago believe Israel needs to be held responsible for the various attacks carried out in Lebanon, Syria, Gaza, and other countries.
“We want to see an end to war, an end to the massive devastation, and for people to be able to return to their homes,” said Muhammad Sankari, a member of the U.S. Palestinian Community Network. “But more importantly, there needs to be accountability for what the Israelis have done.”
The War in Lebanon
The war in Lebanon escalated when Israel carried out deadly airstrikes on September 23 that killed nearly 500 people and wounded more than 1,600 – just days after dozens were killed and thousands were injured in an attack on communication devices.
The Ceasefire Agreement
The ceasefire, which started at 8 p.m. Tuesday Chicago time, calls for a two-month halt to fighting. It requires Hezbollah to end its armed presence in southern Lebanon, and Israeli troops would return to their side of the border. Thousands of additional Lebanese troops and U.N. peacekeepers would deploy in the south, and an international panel headed by the United States would monitor compliance.
Israel’s Plan
Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented the ceasefire proposal to Cabinet ministers after a televised address in which he listed accomplishments against Israel’s enemies across the region. He said a ceasefire with Hezbollah would further isolate Hamas in Gaza and allow Israel to focus on its main enemy, Iran.
Palestinian Supporters’ Plans
In the next two months, Sankari said pro-Palestinian supporters will continue to demand an end to the war in Gaza.
“Our demand has been clear from the beginning: that we will continue to mobilize and organize until the genocide against the Palestinian people ends,” Sankari said. “The unimaginable suffering that Palestinian people have faced is because this U.S.-funded genocide continues.”
Conclusion
The ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah is a crucial step towards ending the conflict, but it is only the beginning. Palestinian supporters in Chicago will continue to demand an end to the war in Gaza and accountability for Israel’s actions.
FAQs
* When did the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah start?
+ The ceasefire started at 8 p.m. Tuesday Chicago time.
* What does the ceasefire agreement require?
+ The ceasefire agreement requires Hezbollah to end its armed presence in southern Lebanon, and Israeli troops would return to their side of the border.
* What is the next step for Palestinian supporters?
+ Pro-Palestinian supporters will continue to demand an end to the war in Gaza and accountability for Israel’s actions.
