The fragile ceasefire will not last without genuine truth and justice

Donald Trump insists the war in Gaza is over.

- By Simon Tisdall

No, it isn’t. The violence is much reduced. Yet Israeli forces have reportedly killed about 100 Palestinians and wounded hundreds more since the 10 October ceasefire began. Food aid supplies are still restricted. The occupation continues, in Gaza and the West Bank. US officials fear prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his accomplices may renege on the deal, as in the past. Likewise, Hamas elements and rival gangs have kept fighting. The terrorist group is not disarming; Israeli forces have not fully withdrawn to the agreed lines. US-framed security, governance and reconstruction proposals remain vague, hypothetical and contentious. The war's root causes, principally the denial of Palestinian sovereignty and statehood, are not addressed. Unless that changes, it will all kick off again.

For the sake of argument, let's pretend - and hope - that Trump is right, and sustainable peace somehow slowly emerges from Gaza’s ruins. Justice must happen next. As in other “post-conflict” situations, the living and the dead in Israel and Palestine are owed a reckoning.

All who committed, or oversaw, war crimes on or after 7 October 2023 must answer for their actions. Lest we forget, there are multitudes of victims, on both sides, whose suffering cries out for recognition, resolution and reparation. If only to reduce the risk of resumed warfare, it's imperative that there be accountability and an end to impunity. Genocide must never go unpunished.