By: Olivia Xia

On July 28, officials from Israel, Egypt, Qatar, and the United States met in Rome to discuss negotiations for a ceasefire to he ongoing violence in Gaza. They are pushing for the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians that are jailed in the Ofer, Megiddo and Ketziot prisons.

The negotiations for the truce have been going on for months, and there are disputes over many aspects including which Israeli troops would withdraw from Gaza. Israel has not guaranteed that their troops will leave the Gaza-Egypt border. This is a problem for Egypt because of Israel’s and Egypt’s history of conflict. Years ago, they fought wars with each other, and with the increasing tension between the 2 countries, Egypt is worried about another war between them starting.

The 2 sides are also debating the length of the truce, Hamas wanting a permanent truce while Israel wants to prolong the fighting. The was has caused many Palestinians to flee and abandon their homes which the Israelis then seize.

Despite this war being in the Gaza Strip, many college students and citizens in America are protesting United States’ involvement with Israel. Students have launched rallies, sit-ins, fasts and encampments against the war.

And yet, while negotiations are finally happening, the conflict is not entirely resolved. On July 17, a rocket from Lebanon killed at least 12 people, mainly children, in an Israeli town. Israel quickly retaliated early Sunday. This might endanger the progress being made for the negotiations.

It is hard to say when this conflict is finally going to be resolved. But we can always hope for peace and a ceasefire.