The underlying causes of the Israel/Hamas war still exist. We are in a temporary ceasefire, Phase One, as Netanyahu put it.
Despite what Trump said, it is not the biggest achievement in 3,000 years. It is a small step, but a significant one.
That Trump pushed (maybe threatened) Netanyahu to go along with the ceasefire is not to be overlooked or downplayed. It is a good thing.
That hostages are back to their loved ones is wonderful. It is cause for celebrating. And sharing the joy. We do.
History shows we must move forward with caution and remain grounded in reality as we attempt the next phase. We have had dreams of peace dashed before. Plans that turned to dust.
A lasting peace probably means someone without Netanyahu’s baggage leading Israel. He didn’t go to Egypt to join other leaders for the signing of the plan (we don’t know what’s in it or if it can be enforced) because he would have been like the skunk at the picnic. He was invited, but the truth is had Netanyahu been there some Arab countries would have stayed away.
Netanyahu is not popular in his own country, either. Protesters have taken to the streets in Israel to oppose him.
There are questions about security lapses that allowed Hamas to overtake the music festival where hostages were taken. And Netanyahu faces corruption charges that were put on hold because of the war, which some think motivated Netanyahu to keep up the bombing.
So many countries are on the record as wanting to help bring peace, rebuild from the rubble. Reason for cautious optimism. But emotions run deep among parties in that part of the world which won’t magically disappear because of signatures on paper.
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