Why continue to campaign after Gaza ceasefire?

On January 15, 2025, Hamas and Israel reached an agreement on a ceasefire in Gaza. After fifteen months of genocidal violence, this is a glimmer of hope. However, it remains unclear whether this deal will lead to a permanent end to the genocide in Gaza. Why should you continue to take to the streets for Palestine? Find out here. 

On Sunday 26 January we will gather again in the streets of Brussels to make a fist for humanity and international solidarity. But why should we continue to take action after a ceasefire agreement?  

1. The agreement is fragile

While the agreement is a first step, it is unclear whether this deal will lead to a permanent end to the genocide. There are strong indications – including statements from Netayahu himself –  that Israel will resume war after phase 1 of the agreement, and thus the release of most of the hostages.  

At the same time there is a risk that Israel will gain more space for military action elsewhere in the region – from the West Bank to Syria and Lebanon, occupation and human rights violations. We cannot let this happen.

By taking to the streets, we continue to put pressure on our (future) governments. And their international pressure is crucial to bring about a permanent end to the Gaza war, and to avoid further escalation in the West Bank and the wider region.

2. Justice for Gaza

Without justice, violence remains the norm. War crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide in Gaza cannot go unpunished. 11.11.11 calls on Belgium and the EU, among other things, to:

• to impose a comprehensive arms embargo;
• to ban trade with illegal settlements;
• to impose individual sanctions against individuals and organisations that maintain the occupation and are responsible for gross human rights violations;
• to suspend the EU-Israel Association Agreement;
• to support ongoing proceedings at the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice, and to protect the Court from US sanctions.

These steps are essential to break impunity and prevent another war. By making our voices heard, we are pushing to get these sanctions implemented.  

3. This agreement could have saved thousands of lives

The terms of the ceasefire were already on the table in July 2024. Hamas accepted then, but international pressure on the Israeli government was lacking. The result? Months of unnecessary violence, tens of thousands of additional deaths, and an even greater humanitarian disaster. Without continued pressure, governments will continue to look the other way.

4. Rights and freedom for all Palestinians

While all eyes are on Gaza, Israeli colonization and oppression of Palestinians in the West Bank continues unabatedHomes are being demolished, communities are being displaced, and illegal settlements are being expanded.  

The International Court of Justice confirmed in July 2024 that there is apartheid and illegal annexation of Palestinian territory, and that third countries have a legal obligation to take action against it.  

Palestinians deserve not only an end to the violence in Gaza, but also an end to years of occupation and colonization and a future in which their rights and dignity are respected. And an international community that finally takes responsibility.