Israeli airstrikes killed dozens of Palestinians in Gaza on Wednesday, further intensifying a conflict that has now lasted 15 months. Meanwhile, international diplomatic efforts, led by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, are pushing for a ceasefire.

Palestinian medical workers reported casualties in Gaza City, Jabalia, and Deir Al-Balah. Israel’s military claimed responsibility for targeting Hamas militants, allegedly operating within civilian areas. Also on Wednesday, Israeli forces recovered the body of a hostage near Rafah, further complicating the situation as ceasefire negotiations continue.

It is still unclear how soon a ceasefire deal will come and what that deal will entail. Still, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff expressed hope for progress on the hostage situation ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration, with the outgoing Biden administration pushing for a deal. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s commitment to securing the release of all hostages, alive or deceased. Hamas stood firm on its demand for an end to the war and a full Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza.

The current conflict originated from the antagonistic relationship between Israel and Hamas, particularly following Hamas’ surprise attack on Israel in October 2023. That incident, which killed over 1,200 Israelis and resulted in the capture of over 250 hostages, prompted Israel’s ongoing military assault on Gaza. The crisis has been at a critical level for far too long, as more than 46,000 Palestinian deaths have been officially reported and most of Gaza’s 2.1 million residents have been displaced. International organizations have documented severe shortages of food, medicine, and shelter in the Gaza Strip, and heavy rains recently caused tents to flood in crowded refugee camps. Medical organizations, including Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), have raised alarms over the collapsing healthcare infrastructure in Gaza due to fuel shortages and Israeli restrictions.

While a ceasefire deal may finally be on the horizon, the ongoing violence reveals the importance of tact in negotiations in order to sustain peace. Diplomatic initiatives must address the root causes of the conflict, including occupation, security concerns, and the blockade of Gaza. Reactive, skin-deep measures will continue to fail to tackle the systemic issues at play and risk prolonging the suffering of millions in the region for decades to come.

The traumatic situation in Gaza underlines the urgent need for a peace agreement. While the current ceasefire talks offer a glimmer of hope, their long-term success depends on addressing the longstanding grievances of both parties. For lasting stability, mediators must prioritize the protection of all civilians and the rebuilding of Gaza’s infrastructure. Failure to achieve these goals risks entrenching the conflict further, with dire consequences for regional and international peace, the significance of which is impossible to overstate. Only through a commitment to justice, reconciliation, and international human rights can a meaningful resolution be achieved.