The immediate focus following the ceasefire, brokered with the active participation of the United States, Qatar, Türkiye, and Egypt, has been on delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza. As cited by UK officials, the arrival of UK-funded tents – providing shelter for 12,000 vulnerable civilians – represents a crucial lifeline. Winter conditions have exacerbated the already dire circumstances, with at least 14 reported fatalities due to harsh weather and flooding, underscoring the urgency of providing essential supplies and support. The recovery of the remains of Ran Gvili, the last hostage returned, represents a poignant moment of closure for his family, mirroring the collective anguish felt across Israel and globally. Hamas’s stated commitment to disarmament and the unequivocal renunciation of violence remains the cornerstone of any sustainable peace agreement, a point repeatedly emphasized by international actors.
West Bank Deterioration: A Parallel Crisis
However, the focus on Gaza risks obscuring a critical parallel crisis unfolding in the West Bank. The latest figures reveal a dramatic escalation in settler violence, with 260 attacks recorded in October alone – a figure representing a substantial increase compared to previous months. These attacks, consistently condemned by Israeli authorities, demonstrate a significant challenge to the viability of the 20-point plan and the broader prospects for regional peace. According to data from B’Tselem, Israel’s human rights organization, instances of settler violence have risen sharply over the last year, often with minimal accountability.
The situation has been compounded by ongoing disputes surrounding settlements, the approval of 19 new settlements in the West Bank, and continued evictions of Palestinian families in East Jerusalem. “The expansion of Israeli settlements is a fundamental obstacle to a two-state solution,” stated Dr. Maya Halasa, a senior analyst at the Institute for Palestine Studies. “It systematically undermines Palestinian land claims and intensifies the occupation, fueling resentment and instability.” The expropriation of the acropolis of Sebastia and surrounding lands further exemplifies this dynamic, moving the region closer to a state of perpetual conflict.
Economic Pressure and International Law
The economic situation in the West Bank remains critically fragile. The withholding of Israeli tax revenues, coupled with limited Shekel transfer limits and unresolved correspondent banking relationships, threatens a complete economic collapse. This situation is impacting Palestinian livelihoods and creating significant social unrest. “Without immediate action to address these economic pressures,” warned Professor David Pollock, a senior research fellow at the International Policy Institute, “the West Bank risks descending into irreversible chaos, destabilizing the entire region.”
Furthermore, recent reports regarding Israeli authorities entering an UNRWA compound without authorization, followed by alleged violations of international law, have raised serious concerns. UNRWA’s role as a key provider of humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza is being increasingly challenged. The inviolability of UN premises is a cornerstone of international law, and any breach of this principle carries significant implications for the credibility of the international community and the implementation of humanitarian resolutions. UNSCR 2803, passed by the UN Security Council in 2023, calls for an immediate ceasefire and a comprehensive resolution to the conflict, a resolution that requires sustained commitment and robust enforcement mechanisms.
Looking Ahead
Short-term, the immediate priorities revolve around maintaining the ceasefire, ensuring the consistent delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, and addressing the escalating violence in the West Bank. Longer-term, achieving a sustainable two-state solution remains elusive, contingent upon addressing the core issues of territorial disputes, security arrangements, and the status of Jerusalem. The coming six months will be pivotal in determining whether the Gaza Accord can establish a durable peace, or whether the underlying tensions will reignite conflict.
The UK’s stated commitment to implementing UNSC resolution 2803, alongside its efforts to promote West Bank stability and foster a “irreversible pathway” to a two-state solution, represent a necessary, yet arguably insufficient, response to the complexities of the situation. The path forward demands a concerted, multilateral approach, one that prioritizes both immediate humanitarian needs and a long-term vision for a just and sustainable peace. It is crucial to acknowledge the significant challenges and potential pitfalls inherent in this fragile accord, and to remain vigilant in safeguarding the interests of all parties involved. The fate of the region hangs precariously in the balance, demanding a renewed commitment to dialogue, diplomacy, and a profound respect for international law.