Ceasefire in Name Only : Real politik at Work in Gaza

DD Geopolitics
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Ceasefire in Name Only : Realpolitik at Work in Gaza

The recent ceasefire, celebrated by Palestinians as a desperately needed respite, is not the humanitarian breakthrough it appears to be. It is a stark example of realpolitik — where power, influence, and transactional alliances supersede justice, morality, and the lives of ordinary people. Let’s dive in a bit….

Looming beneath the surface, this pause in hostilities appears less about humanitarian relief and more about political theater — a transactional moment between power players. Or maybe we’re just blackpilled? Nonetheless….

This ceasefire is less about peace and more about securing political capital and clout. It’s a carefully staged quid pro quo between Trump and Netanyahu, where each emerges with strategic gains. Netanyahu hands Trump a diplomatic victory on the eve of his second term, allowing him to claim the mantle of a “deal-maker” on the world stage. In exchange, Trump rewards Netanyahu with renewed support, political backing, and, most importantly, the green light to act as Israel sees fit to defend its interests.

Not to mention, Bibi’s approval rating and popularity have both SURGED inside Israel.

The timing is no coincidence. The ceasefire conveniently commenced a day before the start of Trump’s VERY anticipated and lauded second term. Trump’s public statements about pressuring Netanyahu and warning of severe repercussions if an agreement wasn’t reached reek of calculated optics.

The timing reveals everything. A ceasefire agreement negotiated at the last moment signals the power of American pressure, but it also underscores how Palestinian suffering is manipulated to serve political agendas. Trump’s envoy reportedly told Netanyahu, “The president has been a great friend of Israel. Now it’s time to be a friend back.” In simpler terms: You scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours.

The dynamics between Trump and Netanyahu have been tumultuous in recent years, swinging between alliance and tension. Lately, relations had cooled significantly, leaving Netanyahu in need of a move to curry some favor. What better way to achieve this than by gifting Trump a political masterstroke — a symbolic “win” at the start of his second term? This ceasefire not only boosts Trump’s domestic and international standing but also repositions Netanyahu as a cooperative ally, ready to play his part in the grand chess match.

Trump, in turn, repaid the favor. In a recent NBC interview, he shared that he told Netanyahu: “Continue doing what you have to do in Gaza. But this has to end.” The message is chilling in its ambiguity. “Continue doing what you have to do” grants Israel carte blanche to pursue its agenda. On the other hand, the demand for an “end” signals a desire for political closure on his terms — not necessarily an end to Palestinian suffering.

This exchange of favors states the obvious reality that Israel retains full control over what happens next. Netanyahu has repeatedly signaled his gratitude for Trump’s backing, noting that Israel retains the right to resume the war if it determines a ceasefire violation has occurred. In essence, Israel acts as both judge and executioner, and the ceasefire’s fragility is entirely at their discretion.

This isn’t merely a pause in hostilities; it’s a strategic reset.

What does this mean for Palestinians? The so-called ceasefire is a double-edged sword. While it brings temporary relief, it is ultimately a tool of political expediency, allowing Israel to dictate the terms of peace and war while securing its patronage from Washington.

This is a stark reminder of how power operates, with Palestinian lives caught in the middle.