Peace in the Middle East: Ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is not enough

News of the truce between Israel and Hamas, finally agreed after almost two years of war, has sparked a wave of euphoria and hope both in the Middle East and around the world. This brutal armed conflict broke out on 7 October 2023 when Hamas killed nearly 1,200 Israeli civilians and took more than 200 hostages. As a result, Israel, in its war against Hamas, launched an offensive on Gaza in which it killed nearly 70,000 people, the vast majority of whom were civilians, including nearly 20,000 children. In fact, an independent United Nations commission concluded its report by accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, citing actions and statements by senior officials, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In short, this war became one of the worst catastrophes of the 21st century.  

The truth is that the bombs have not only destroyed the lives and homes of the inhabitants of Gaza, but also our relationships and our dreams of a more humane future. I am aware that the truce is essential for the pacification of this region, whose conflict brought us almost to the brink of a global war. However, the proverb that warns ‘Don't count your chickens before they hatch’ resonates with me at this moment, and I believe that the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is not the last step, but the first step on a long road. It is worth remembering that at the beginning of this year, a ceasefire had already been agreed upon, but it lasted only a few weeks. On the other hand, even a lasting truce would not mean the solution to a conflict that has existed for more than eight decades. 

In my case, I am not an expert on the Middle East, nor do I claim to have a magic formula for a solid solution. Despite this, I believe that the ceasefire is nothing more than a band-aid on a deep wound that continues to bleed. Therefore, it is essential to first treat the symptoms of this horrific war, without ignoring the root cause of this ‘disease’ in the treatment. 

In fact, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, which I represent in Argentina, had already launched an international campaign at the end of October 2023 under the spiritual guidance of its leader, His Holiness Mirza Masroor Ahmad. Under the slogan ‘Voices for Peace,’ five pillars were presented as a framework for action to achieve lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians. These guidelines proposed:

1. An immediate and complete ceasefire.
2. All hostages must be released and returned safely.
3. Allow humanitarian aid to reach all those in need.
4. All parties must commit to complying with international law.
5. World powers and the International Community must work together to find a lasting solution based on peace and justice so that both peoples can live in security.

As a Muslim, I am convinced that both Judaism and Islam are not obstacles to harmonious coexistence between Israelis and Palestinians. On the contrary, I believe that both traditions are an integral part of the path to peace and reconciliation. It is the absence of divine light in the heart that leads human beings to their darkest place. For example, ‘Islam’ literally means ‘peace’ in Arabic and contains many precepts that could serve as golden principles in this process.

To begin with, our religion considers covenants to be sacred and betraying them is a serious crime. (The Qur'an, 17:35)

Another prominent teaching, found in both faiths, is the universal sanctity of life. In this regard, the Qur'an proclaims that whoever kills an innocent person is as if he had killed all of humanity. (5:33) Likewise, Islam emphasises that justice is the backbone of the path to reconciliation between two peoples:

"O believers! Be steadfast in the cause of God as witnesses of justice; and let not the enmity of a people incite you to act unjustly. Be just, for that is closer to virtue." (The Qur'an, 5:9)

And as a final concept, which is highly relevant in this confrontation, I want to emphasise the importance of equality as human beings, without any distinction of ethnicity or religion:

“O mankind! We have created you from a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Truly, the most honourable of you in the sight of God is the most righteous of you." (The Qur'an, 49:14)     

I welcome this ceasefire as a small step towards a better future for humanity. But I cannot help expressing my concerns that we are still a long way from achieving reconciliation between Israelis and Palestinians. If our ultimate goal is truly to achieve peaceful coexistence between them, it is vital to back up this desire now with appropriate decisions and concrete actions. 

From the bottom of my heart, I wish ‘Salam’ and ‘Shalom’ for a Middle East that has been deprived of peace for decades. 

*Marwan Gill is Imam and President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Argentina.