Monday marked a significant day for Canadians with relatives in Israel and Gaza as a peace agreement was reached, accompanied by the liberation of Israeli captives and Palestinian detainees. While there was a sense of hopefulness during the celebrations, certain experts expressed doubts about the long-term effectiveness of the accord in fostering lasting peace in the area.
Maureen Leshem, a resident of Toronto and cousin of Romi Gonen, who was held hostage by Hamas for 15 months, described feeling grateful and relieved, emphasizing the significance of the peace deal for humanity. On the other hand, Louay Alghoul from Winnipeg, who lost 139 family members due to Israeli attacks and has others unaccounted for, expressed mixed emotions, stating his uncertainty about the sustainability of the peace achieved.
President Donald Trump participated in the signing of the peace deal after the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, with a promise of eternal peace in the Middle East through his 20-point plan. Prime Minister Mark Carney, alongside leaders from various countries, hailed the summit as a historic moment, ushering in hope for both Palestinians and Israelis.
Despite the positive reactions to the plan, Alghoul expressed skepticism about the role of the Israeli government in brokering lasting peace, emphasizing the need for Palestinian involvement in the negotiations. Nader Hashemi, an expert in Middle East politics, criticized the deal as lacking historical context and overlooking crucial issues such as occupation and Palestinian statehood.
Hashemi emphasized the importance of a two-state solution, a stance supported by much of the international community, including Canada. He raised concerns about the sustainability of the peace deal, highlighting the challenges faced by Palestinians in rebuilding their lives in Gaza after years of conflict and destruction.
As details of the agreement are still being worked out, analysts like Nomi Bar-Yaacov and Michael Lynk have raised concerns about the lack of a clear implementation mechanism and the reliance on international law and UN resolutions for a sustainable peace process. The future success of the peace plan will depend on coordinated efforts and a commitment to addressing the root causes of the conflict.
