As plans for a ceasefire were announced on Wednesday night, videos of Gazans celebrating with glee made their way onto international news broadcasts. The celebrations were distinctive in style, and looked nothing like those of a people experiencing the end of a genocide. Many an anchor and analyst overlooked the detail, but we would all do well to pay attention to what the revellers were actually showing and telling us.
No ceasefire can fully address the conflict as long as Hamas remains committed to its ultimate goal: the destruction of Israel and the eradication of Jews in the region
This is not the first time Gaza’s civilians have seemed quick to celebrate. No sooner had terrorists massacred and abducted Israelis on 7 October, than hordes of Palestinians lined the streets of Gaza cheering with jubilation as lifeless bodies and desperate abductees were paraded before them to be spat on and beaten. Now, even as the details of the ceasefire agreement are being fine tuned and battle continues in the Strip, Gazans celebrated their ‘victory’ regardless.
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