On Jan. 19, the ceasefire in Gaza was finally implemented after an entire year of genocide. However, this does not mean that Palestine is a free and sovereign nation. The Gaza ceasefire distracts people from the complex realities and ongoing challenges that continue to prevent true Palestinian freedom. Despite the ceasefire, Palestine remains without full sovereignty.
The Palestinian territories are divided between the West Bank, governed by the Palestinian Authority, and the Gaza Strip, controlled by Hamas. These regions are subject to varying degrees of Israeli control and influence, affecting their governance and autonomy.
The PA exercises limited self-governance under the Oslo Accords, but Israel retains complete authority, especially concerning security and borders. While Hamas maintains internal control in Gaza, the territory is under a strict blockade by Israel and Egypt. These blockades severely restrict movement and economic activity.
Internationally, Palestine’s status is complex. In 2012, the United Nations General Assembly granted Palestine non-member observer state status, a symbolic recognition that does not ensure U.N. membership. Efforts to acquire full membership have been consistently blocked, notably by the U.S., which argues that statehood should result from direct negotiations with Israel.
This limited recognition proves the continuing challenges that Palestine faces in achieving full sovereignty and international legitimacy.
While ceasefires may temporarily halt the disturbing genocide, that does not equal genuine freedom or sovereignty for Palestine.
The path to true freedom requires achieving broader international recognition and gaining the protection of human rights within Palestinian territories. Only through continued efforts on these fronts can the Palestinian people hope to gain the full measure of self-determination and freedom, for the betterment of their people.
We cannot give up on Palestine. We must strive for their freedom. We must help to protect them. “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.”
Nicholas Keller is a columnist. You can contact him at [email protected]
