The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is holding on shaky ground. Hostages and bodies have been exchanged successfully between Israel and Hamas, but peace is far from near. 

Palestinians in Gaza have returned to their demolished homes. Amongst the broken families is an unwavering threat of violence.

Speculation exists around how long this ceasefire will hold, but that should not be the concern. Between the time that families ceased to be bombed and killed lies the fact that no real solution has been proposed towards lasting peace.

Ceasefires have been broken over half a dozen times.

What remains is a humanitarian crisis that has not ended, and a generation of Palestinian children who had their family members killed in front of them, their homes destroyed and one entity to point the finger towards. 

With no solution offered to them, we are left with a new generation radicalized and a conflict bound to reignite.

On the other hand, the IDF and Knesset in Israel stand smiling after more land has been annexed, war crimes have been waved off and the United States remains hand in hand with Benjamin Netanyahu, with President Trump going as far as calling for his pardon. 

At the end of the day, we slapped a band-aid on a gun wound, and those in Gaza can only hope that it will last a little longer than last time. The point is that peace is not achieved by the end of gunfire.

Consider supporting those affected in Gaza here, and find your congressional representative’s contact here to voice your concern.

Tanner Smith is a columnist. Contact him at [email protected].