What is a Ceasefire?

You may have thought Israel's War with Hamas was over, but a ceasefire in that area of the world does not mean the end of war or a victory for either side. Every war the Arabs have waged against Israel has resulted in a ceasefire, yes—but not peace.

According to the highly reputable magazine, The Economist, there have been over 2,000 truces between Israel and Hamas over the years.

Having said that, it’s important to remember that all Arab wars against Israel have failed—regardless of ceasefires. (Look at 1948, 1967, and 1973.) Instead of a permanent conclusion to conflict, the Palestinians have taken advantage of “ceasefires” to engage in shallow diplomacy, inflammatory propaganda, and overt terrorism—all aimed at eradicating Israel. The consequence has been a continuing state of conflict.

(As a note: Israel offered a peace settlement through the Oslo Accords (1996 and 1996), which the Palestinians initially agreed to but ultimately failed to realize.)

Western eyes and ears believe that the current cessation in the Israeli-Hamas conflict—with less horrifying carnage and a pause to the bombing—means that Hamas is willing to compromise its agenda concerning the eradication of Israel. Will they lay down their arms and accept a peace settlement?

Kaled Mashaal says, “No.”

Hamas officials have stated they will not commit to disarming and view their weapons as a crucial element for their existence and future negotiations. One official mentioned a willingness to discuss "freezing" or "storing" weapons as part of a potential second phase of the peace plan, but not a full surrender of arms.

In summary, a “ceasefire” means a pause in the shooting, but not an end to the fight.

The Problem with a Ceasefire.

A “ceasefire” may seem like a small step in the “right direction.” At the same time, there is an inherent danger that Israeli enemies will seize this opportunity to re-arm and prepare for renewed attacks against Israel.  

Even now, after its recent defeat, a nearby and similar terrorist group, Hezbollah, is arming and training new recruits.

From the Wall Street Journal: 

Lebanese militant group Hezbollah is rebuilding its armaments and battered ranks, defying the terms of a cease-fire agreement and raising the prospect of renewed conflict with Israel, according to people familiar with Israeli and Arab intelligence. The intelligence shows Iranian-backed Hezbollah is restocking rockets, antitank missiles and artillery.

Those who work for peace must be praised. And, perhaps, a “ceasefire” may help negotiations along. But until the goal of eliminating Israel is dismantled and put aside, Iranian proxies—like Hezbollah or Hamas—will continue to arm themselves to fight with or without a “ceasefire.”