The Israel-Hamas conflict: what makes ceasefires hard?

On January 15th 2025, after mounting international calls, a 42-day ceasefire between Israel and Hamas was announced. But do ceasefires change the course of a conflict? And if so many people support them, why are they so difficult to negotiate?

Collage of pages from the “The Israel-Hamas conflict: what makes ceasefires hard?” teaching resource showing the cover and lesson plan

Published 14 February 2025

About this lesson

Our latest lesson puts students at the heart of the debate through interactive activities that build critical thinking and communication skills. Use this lesson to help students:

  • Learn about the history and context of the Israel-Hamas conflict
  • Discuss the challenges of negotiating ceasefires
  • Debate different perspectives on their effectiveness
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Skills and knowledge

Every lesson has a skill and knowledge focus. Click to see this lesson's focus and some of the questions students will answer 

  • Speaking

    • Step 0: I speak clearly to someone I know
      Did you share ideas in a group?
    • Step 5: I speak effectively by using appropriate language
      Did you adapt your ideas when reading each poster?
    • Step 12: I speak adaptively by changing my content depending on the response of listeners
      Did you listen to other sides of the debates before sharing your ideas?

  • Knowledge

    I know about the complexities of a ceasefire and can relate this to the Israel-Hamas conflict.
    Why does a ceasefire not necessarily end a war?

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