The ceasefire in Gaza is an occasion for both relief and sorrow: relief that the killing has stopped for now, but sorrow about the death and destruction that has taken place.
If anything good is to emerge from the rubble, it is imperative that the ceasefire should be developed into something more durable – rather than simply a pause before another round of destruction and bloodletting.
If that is to happen both sides to the conflict – Israelis and Palestinians – have to emerge with something that makes them willing to give peace a chance. The Israelis need reason to believe that Gaza will no longer be used as a base for rocket or tunnel attacks on their country. The Palestinians need some relief from the blockade that is imposed on Gaza, by both Israel and Egypt. Any deal should be based around the idea of trading demilitarisation of Gaza in return for an easing of the blockade, combined with the rebuilding of vital infrastructure.