TEHRAN – The US-brokered ceasefire that took effect on October 10 was aimed at ending two years of relentless Israeli military operations in Gaza. But less than two months later, it turned out to be just a promise on paper.
Figures released by the Gaza government media office recorded around 600 violations by Israel, resulting in the deaths of more than 350 Palestinians. The majority of victims were women, children and the elderly, underscoring the indiscriminate and systematic nature of the violence.
These violations include direct firing at civilians and their homes, shelling refugee tents, invading residential areas, and destroying critical infrastructure. Amnesty International went further, explaining that Israel’s actions are part of an ongoing campaign of genocide, inflicting living conditions deliberately calculated to bring about the destruction of the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip. Such systematic violations not only undermine the ceasefire but also constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions.
Despite being the main mediator and guarantor of the ceasefire, the United States has failed to ensure compliance. Washington’s continued military and diplomatic support to Israel has prompted accusations of collusion. By shielding Israel from accountability on the UN Security Council and maintaining arms transfers, the United States has effectively enabled the violence to continue. This contradiction of supporting one side militarily while acting as a mediator undermines the credibility of American diplomacy in the region.
The continuation of Israeli attacks despite the ceasefire has sparked mass protests around the world, especially on November 29, the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. An estimated 100,000 demonstrators filled the streets of Rome, demanding an end to military cooperation with Israel and calling for sanctions. Similar mobilizations occurred across Europe, including in Paris and London, where tens of thousands of people marched in resistance to Israeli aggression and US collusion.
These protests were not limited to Europe. From Amman to Latin America, grassroots movements and civil society organizations have rallied under the banner of Palestinian solidarity. The demonstrations reflected growing impatience with international inaction and demands for concrete measures, including halting arms sales, imposing sanctions and promoting war crimes investigations.
The Gaza ceasefire, hailed as a diplomatic breakthrough, turned out to be a dangerous illusion. Israel’s repeated violations and US inaction reveal that the agreement is nothing more than a political cover for continued military aggression. The humanitarian toll highlights the urgency of international responsibility.
At the same time, the global protests since November 29 highlight the changing tide of public opinion. Ordinary citizens across the continent are demanding justice for Palestinians and exposing the hypocrisy of Western governments that preach peace while enabling war. Unless the ceasefire is implemented with real consequences for violations, Gaza will remain trapped in a cycle of destruction and the credibility of international diplomacy will continue to decline.