Khalil Shaheen: The ceasefire agreement in Gaza represents a decisive step towards ending the war of extermination and gradually restoring life to the Strip

Majed Hadeeb: Commitment to the ceasefire will be strong to achieve Israeli goals and Hamas's attempt to preserve what remains for it

Dr. Dalal Erekat: Israel may continue to use the existence of Hamas as a pretext to wage wars if the core issues of the conflict are not addressed

Talal Okal: Warning against being preoccupied with internal conflicts, which may weaken the high morale felt by Gazans after the war

Hani Abu Al-Sabaa: The next stage is the most difficult and requires providing food and personal security and responding to people’s aspirations for a better future

Dr. Tamara Haddad: The cessation of war will not be the end of suffering, but rather the beginning of a series of crises that require urgent and comprehensive solutions through effective management of people’s affairs

After more than 15 months of destruction, suffering and war of extermination in the Gaza Strip, the deal agreement and ceasefire came to give the people a glimmer of hope for the gradual restoration of life.

In separate interviews with “I”, writers, political analysts and university professors confirm that stopping the bombing and indiscriminate killing, especially against civilians and children, along with the entry of humanitarian aid, represents a first step towards alleviating the worsening humanitarian crisis and restoring the breath of life, especially in northern Gaza.

But writers, analysts and university professors believe that with the ceasefire, the biggest challenge begins in rebuilding the Gaza Strip, through removing rubble, restoring roads and buildings, re-operating health and educational facilities, and bringing in medical supplies, which are essential steps to restore life to normal.

They believe that providing caravans and tents to the displaced is part of the efforts to return hundreds of thousands of displaced people, and these steps are not limited to providing basic needs only, but also contribute to thwarting Israeli plans that aim to change the demographic composition of the sector.

However, despite the hope that the agreement brings, they warn that the danger remains in the possibility of its relapse, especially in light of Israeli statements about freedom of military movement in Gaza, and possible changes in American policy, which may threaten the continuity of the truce. Therefore, the need for effective international guarantees is essential to ensure the full implementation of the agreement and prevent a return to the beginning. Nevertheless, the people of Gaza remain clinging to the hope of rebuilding their lives, despite all the challenges.

The most important gains of the agreement are stopping the indiscriminate killings.

The writer and political analyst Khalil Shaheen believes that the ceasefire agreement in Gaza represents a decisive step towards ending the war of extermination waged by Israel and gradually restoring life in the Strip, noting that the most prominent gains of this agreement are the cessation of the indiscriminate killings that targeted civilians, including entire families, journalists, and children, as well as the cessation of the roar of aircraft, especially drones that never leave the skies of Gaza. It also constitutes an important factor in giving the population a basic sense of personal security, which they lost during the war.

Shaheen points out that the ceasefire agreement goes beyond ending the bombing and killing to include the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, which is a necessary step to alleviate the humanitarian crisis that the Strip is experiencing. According to the agreement, 600 trucks carrying food, clothing, and fuel will be brought in to operate bakeries that have stopped working, which will contribute to alleviating the state of starvation that the residents of the Strip have suffered from, especially in northern Gaza.

Shaheen believes that stopping the destruction also includes ending the continuous bombing that has destroyed residential and commercial facilities and infrastructure, which will allow the sector the opportunity to gradually restore life, starting with removing rubble and repairing roads, and moving on to operating municipalities and civil defense, and reaching the resumption of commercial activity and operating bakeries and stalls, which will contribute to providing job opportunities for the population.

Shaheen believes that introducing engineering machinery to remove rubble and pave roads is the beginning of the reconstruction of Gaza, and that the entry of goods and materials needed to restart hospitals and water stations will restore life to the health sector that was destroyed, as well as reduce environmental pollution that has worsened as a result of targeting purification and sewage stations.

He points out that the agreement also includes the entry of 60,000 caravans and 200,000 tents, which guarantees the return of hundreds of thousands of displaced persons to their places of residence, even if they are destroyed, stressing that this step preserves the privacy and dignity of the residents, especially in the winter, and also helps to thwart Israel's plans to make forced demographic changes in the Strip.

Shaheen points out that the education sector will also witness a gradual return with the restoration of schools and universities that were destroyed during the war, and the operation of hospitals and the provision of medical supplies will be necessary to treat the wounded and sick, especially the elderly, which will restore part of the life cycle of the people of Gaza.

Despite the apparent positives of the ceasefire agreement, Shaheen warns of the risks of a potential setback as a result of general interpretations of the agreement’s wording.

Shaheen points out that Netanyahu's government may exploit this formulation to resume fighting, especially in light of statements by prominent Israeli officials, such as Defense Minister Yisrael Katz, who confirm Israel's intention to maintain freedom of military movement in Gaza, as is the case in Lebanon and Syria.

Shaheen believes that this threat coincides with an Israeli bet on the new US administration led by Donald Trump, which is expected to be more biased towards Netanyahu's policies compared to the Biden administration, while Shaheen stresses the importance of having effective international guarantees to implement the agreement and prevent Israel from overturning it.

Shaheen stresses that the return of displaced residents to their places of residence, and the reconstruction of what can be repaired, will contribute to thwarting Israel’s plans to forcibly displace the population. Moreover, the gradual restoration of life, despite all the challenges, reflects the ability of the people of Gaza to cling to life and rebuild what was destroyed by the war.

The situation in Gaza after the war stops will witness radical changes

Writer and political analyst Majed Hadeeb believes that the situation in the Gaza Strip after the war stops will witness radical changes, pointing out that the Gaza Strip "after the war" will not resemble the Gaza we knew before the aggression, due to the catastrophic changes that the war left behind on all levels.

Hadib explains that the humanitarian situation in Gaza will be catastrophic, as the Strip has lost more than 80% of the basic necessities of life, according to official statistics, in addition to the martyrdom of more than 45,000 Palestinians, the injury of 200,000 others, and the complete erasure of more than 600 families from the civil registry.

Hadib confirms that the majority of Gaza's residents are now suffering from poverty, hunger and oppression as a result of the destruction of their property and their repeated displacement, either because of the fighting or in response to the occupation's instructions that were received through notices or leaflets.

He believes that the war has resulted in major demographic changes in the Gaza Strip, as the Israeli occupation seeks to reshape Gaza according to its security visions that guarantee the protection of its borders, noting that this transformation reflects the success of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in achieving his vision of the “new Gaza,” which is based on the equation of “economic peace,” as he wants to establish his concept among the Palestinians “that there is no security or stability for them except under the umbrella of Israel.”

Hadib believes that the war on Gaza aimed to achieve several strategic goals, most notably restoring the prestige of the Israeli army, which had shown its fragility in the events of October 7, but the air force was the decisive factor in the continuation of the war.

Hadeeb points out that Netanyahu has succeeded in creating the “new Palestinian man,” who is now trapped between submitting to the reality imposed by Israel or going back in his life.

Hadeeb points to Israel's success in building new alliances with Arab and Islamic countries, regardless of Palestinian rights, which has increased the Palestinians' isolation from their surroundings.

Hadeeb points out that these developments reflect Israel's success in building new alliances, which presents the Palestinians with two choices: either accept Israeli dictates, or face an uncertain future that will take them back decades.

He explained that the upcoming arrangements for the Gaza Strip will be made according to an Israeli vision with regional and international participation, pointing out that the Israeli withdrawal from the Strip will be gradual and in stages, in line with the visions of Egypt and Qatar to form an interim national administration or government that will take over the affairs of the Strip, rebuild it, and guarantee Israel’s security.

Hadib confirms that the commitment of both parties, the Palestinians and the Israelis, to the ceasefire will be strong, as a result of achieving the declared and undeclared Israeli goals, and Hamas’s attempt to preserve what remains of its political and security power and presence.

In contrast, Hadeeb points out that the Israeli front will witness internal divisions the day after the cessation of the war, as Netanyahu will face strong opposition from the extreme right, which described the agreement as a “catastrophe for the Israeli people.”

On the Palestinian side, Hadeeb believes that Hamas will seek to fully commit to the ceasefire, after it was subjected to internal and external stab wounds, and lost the confidence of the Palestinian street as a result of the deteriorating conditions.

Future scenarios vary depending on the nature of the deal and its objectives.

Dr. Dalal Erekat, Professor of Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution at the Arab American University, believes that the success of any deal to end the conflict in Gaza depends largely on the details of this deal and the extent of the negotiating parties’ commitment to it, in addition to the guarantees of its implementation and the mechanisms for monitoring it.

Erekat points out that future scenarios vary based on the nature of the deal and its objectives, and highlights the importance of the comprehensiveness of the agreement to ensure sustainable results.

Erekat explains that any deal that includes clear steps to rebuild Gaza and improve living conditions, such as easing the blockade and improving basic services such as electricity, water and health, could lead to a gradual easing of the residents’ lives. But if the deal is limited to releasing prisoners and a ceasefire without addressing the root causes of the conflict, the calm will be temporary, opening the way for tensions to escalate again.

Erekat points out that this scenario is not new, as Gaza has witnessed five consecutive wars interspersed with temporary truces, instead of reaching a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire.

Erekat stresses the need for any deal to deal with the political framework in a comprehensive manner, to ensure the achievement of a just and sustainable solution that is parallel to addressing the humanitarian and security dimensions, while Erekat believes that the absence of a political vision that supports the sustainability of stopping the war through economic development and guaranteeing political rights will make any agreement fragile.

Erekat warns that Israel may continue to use the existence of Hamas as a pretext to launch new wars if the core issues of the conflict are not addressed.

Erekat believes that the continuity of any deal depends on the existence of a real political will to achieve peace, in addition to effective guarantees from mediators and a strong role for the international community in implementing the terms of the agreement.

It stresses that clear mechanisms for monitoring implementation and evaluation of the deal are necessary to enforce commitment from parties that may breach the agreement.

Erekat points out that any agreement will be in danger of collapse if it does not deal with the basic issues, such as the blockade, the occupation, and ensuring the political rights of the Palestinian people.

Erekat stresses that the administration of the Gaza Strip and transitional governance, along with the complete withdrawal of the occupation, are essential factors to ensure the success of any agreement.

Erekat stresses that agreements are not just documents that are signed, but rather a long process that requires continuous follow-up and effective coordination.

Erekat believes that the internal Palestinian national dialogue represents a fundamental pillar for the success of any deal, as the internal division weakens the chances of stability and allows the occupation to continue implementing its strategies that aim to undermine Palestinian rights, most notably the right to self-determination.

The expected scene in Gaza after the end of the war will be difficult

Writer and political analyst Talal Okal describes the expected scene in the Gaza Strip after the end of the war as being difficult by all standards, as residents face comprehensive destruction of homes and infrastructure, including water, energy, sewage and hospital networks.

Awkal stresses that this destruction will exacerbate the humanitarian situation, with severe food shortages and the spread of diseases as a result of the deteriorating environmental conditions.

However, Awkal points out that the people of Gaza have a strong will that enables them to overcome these crises, as despite the dangers and destruction, the residents are eager to return to their destroyed homes, where they will set up their tents even on top of the rubble without fear of renewed bombing.

Awkal asserts that the people of Gaza will continue to prove that they are the “people of giants” capable of overcoming all assessments that question their ability to rebuild their lives.

Awkal cites the previous experiences of the people of Gaza, where areas such as Beit Hanoun, Shuja'iyya, and others were subjected to great destruction in previous wars, and despite that, the people of Gaza were able to rise again and restore the necessities of life.

Awkal refers to World Bank reports that warned in 2012 that Gaza would be uninhabitable by 2020, but the residents were able to improve their conditions beyond expectations before this war.

Regarding the political conflict, Awkal believes that the cessation of war may continue based on the policies of the US administration, which he described as being firm in its dealings with Benjamin Netanyahu's government.

He believes that US President-elect Donald Trump was running his policies like an emperor, refusing to allow any party to manipulate US interests.

Awkal warns against the Palestinians becoming preoccupied with internal conflicts, which could weaken the high morale felt by the people of Gaza after the war, after they were rid of the hell of war and the Israeli machine of brutality.

Awkal calls for investing in this Palestinian popular steadfastness in Gaza to strengthen national unity and avoid falling prey to factional calculations that may harm the Palestinian cause as a whole.

The next day will witness the beginning of serious thinking about managing Gaza's affairs.

Writer and political analyst Hani Abu Al-Sabaa confirms that the citizens of the Gaza Strip are eagerly awaiting the moment of announcing the ceasefire and implementing the deal, in light of extremely difficult living conditions. The aggression has led to a severe shortage of water, food and medicine, and the lack of basic services in shelters, while the northern Gaza Strip is suffering from the specter of famine.

According to Abu Al-Sabaa, the day after the deal will witness the beginning of serious thinking about managing Gaza’s affairs. This stage requires providing the residents with basic needs, working to rebuild what can be repaired, operating vital facilities such as hospitals, and resuming the educational process after an interruption that lasted for more than a year.

Abu Al-Sabaa stresses that these tasks constitute heavy burdens that cannot be borne by one faction, but rather require a joint effort from all parties that contributed to steadfastness during the war.

Abu Al-Sabaa points out that the manifestations of joy witnessed in the shelters, where citizens expressed their joy by going out into the streets and chanting Allahu Akbar, reflect the will to live among the people of Gaza and their escape from death despite the suffering.

Abu Al-Sabaa warns that the next stage is the most difficult, as it requires providing food and personal security, and responding to people’s aspirations for a better future away from the specter of wars.

Abu Al-Sabaa explains that there are key points that make the deal viable for a longer period than before, as Israel failed to achieve its military goals and the war of attrition in Gaza showed the Israeli army's inability to deal with the resistance, especially in recent days when the number of Israeli army casualties was observed to have risen.

Abu Al-Sabaa confirms that Israel was unable to recover its prisoners in Gaza, despite the passage of more than 15 months since their detention, and failed to stop the launching of rockets, as the resistance recorded the launching of 32 rockets in the last month alone, which indicates the resistance’s ability to restore its missile force.

Abu Al-Sabaa points to internal disagreements in Israel, where the government lacks consensus on the war, with demonstrations and objections continuing, and the new US administration led by Trump, known for his economic approach, may be less inclined to support wars.

Abu Al-Sabaa points to regional variables, especially in Syria, where the Syrian front could pose a future threat to Israel, which may push it to focus on this axis and not continue the war in Gaza.

Abu Al-Sabaa believes that all indicators on the ground and in the regional environment indicate that the next stage may witness a long-term deal, including political and humanitarian arrangements to ensure the stability of the sector.

Abu Al-Sabaa stresses that Gaza needs wise management to ensure a decent life for the population, far from corruption and favoritism.

Abu Al-Sabaa believes that those who participated in the steadfastness during the war must contribute to the construction phase.

Abu Al-Sabaa stresses the importance of providing care for children who have lost their breadwinners, and distributing aid fairly, calling for reassuring the population that wars are a thing of the past, noting that the continuation of wars provides an excuse for Israel to pressure the population and push them to emigrate.

Abu Al-Sabaa stresses that the next stage is an opportunity to rebuild Gaza and transform it into a safe and stable environment for the population, far from the specter of repeated wars.

A state of shock after the implementation of the deal and the truce

Writer and political researcher Dr. Tamara Haddad believes that the situation in the Gaza Strip after the implementation of the deal and the truce will witness a state of shock, as the citizen will find himself facing a reality full of challenges.

Haddad points out that the cessation of the war will not be the end of the suffering, but rather the beginning of a series of crises that require urgent and comprehensive solutions through effective management of the affairs of the people in the Gaza Strip.

Haddad confirms that citizens will live in a state of confusion about how to reorganize their daily lives, especially with the possible return to the northern Gaza Strip.

Haddad points out that one of the conditions of the deal may include strict security monitoring of those returning to the northern Gaza Strip, to ensure that they are not affiliated with armed factions.

Haddad believes that the situation in Gaza will be catastrophic by all standards, as a result of the massive destruction caused by the war in lives and property, and the absence of basic necessities of life.

She stresses that Israel has targeted the provision of services and aid to a minimum, making it extremely difficult to restore normal life.

Haddad points out that the absence of effective management of the affairs of the Gaza Strip will make the process of bringing in humanitarian aid and reconstruction very complicated, in light of the challenges of some war merchants exploiting aid during the war period, as they sold it at exorbitant prices, which burdened the Palestinian citizen.

Haddad explains that the day after the ceasefire will impose major challenges on the citizen, starting from providing housing and food to arranging the health conditions of the wounded and sick who need treatment outside the Gaza Strip.

Haddad warns that the deal may be linked to major security arrangements, allowing the occupation army to enter and exit the Gaza Strip whenever it wants, without clear guarantees of its complete withdrawal or non-return, which would achieve Netanyahu's goal of releasing the Israeli detainees without ending the war comprehensively, while imposing a calm of a security nature that serves Israel's interests.

She points out that future arrangements may aim to change the reality of Gaza’s administration, leading to a reduction in the role of Hamas, suggesting that there may be a plan to introduce Arab forces into the Strip, perhaps with the participation of the Palestinian Authority, according to the vision of US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, which may be implemented after the arrangements for the first phase of the deal and end with negotiations to implement a new reality in Gaza.

Haddad stresses the need for a strong administration capable of meeting the needs of the citizens of Gaza, and rebuilding what was destroyed by the war in a fair and rapid manner.

Haddad believes that any failure to achieve this will keep the Gaza Strip in a state of prolonged crises, allowing Israel to exploit the security and political situation to its advantage, and keep Gaza in a state of instability.