Spore Hosts: After Ceasefire, Before Ceasefire

After weeks of tenuous calm, the ceasefire appears to be collapsing. Two months after an agreement was reached between Israel and Palestinian armed groups, violence has resumed in Gaza. Renewed airstrikes have killed hundreds, further compounding the immense humanitarian toll of the past 15 months. Since the beginning of the war, more than 50,000 Palestinians have lost their lives, 110,000 have been injured, and thousands remain missing. Meanwhile, political leaders continue to shape narratives about the future of the region, raising concerns about displacement, reconstruction, and Palestinian self-determination.

Reconstruction is never just about infrastructure; it is about the narratives that endure, the histories that are preserved or erased, and the futures that are made possible. Culture has always been the space where these complexities unfold—where political realities are questioned, where memory is held, and where what is missing can be made visible. This gathering offers a space for reflection on the current situation in Gaza and beyond, exploring questions of reconstruction, displacement, and power. As cultural spaces continue to serve as sites where discourse is shaped and contested, this discussion asks how we hold the weight of the present and what, if anything, can be built from here.

This panel brings together experts to discuss the ceasefire, the evolving situation in Gaza, the response from the White House, and the roles of Germany and Europe. At a time when peace remains fragile, the panel considers: what can be done to support humanitarian efforts and prevent further loss of life? And what responsibilities do international actors hold in shaping the future of Gaza and its people?