Israel Marks Anniversary of Hamas Attack Amid Unrest and Ceasefire Talks
On Tuesday, Israelis gathered across the country to mark two years since the deadly 7 October Hamas attack that killed around 1,200 people and resulted in 251 hostages being taken. This comes amidst ongoing unrest in the region and negotiations for a ceasefire deal mediated by US President Donald Trump.
Context of the Rally
The commemorative events took place in various parts of the country, including the small kibbutzim in southern Israel, where members were killed or kidnapped during the attack, and a large rally in Tel Aviv, where a call for the release of the remaining hostages held in Gaza was made. The horrific Hamas invasion has not only exposed Israel's internal fractures but also made the country rediscover the scale and limits of its power.
Ceasefire Negotiations
President Trump's intervention has resulted in the drafting of a ceasefire plan, which has been approved by the Israeli government. The plan calls for an immediate ceasefire, an exchange of hostages and prisoners, and a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. Hamas has been given a 72-hour timeline to release more Israeli captives. The first phase of the ceasefire deal is expected to be signed soon with the release of all captives held in the Gaza Strip likely to occur on Monday or Tuesday.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed hope for the return of all hostages held in the enclave, while Trump has warned of severe consequences if Hamas doesn't accept the terms of the deal. Palestinian group, Hamas, is reportedly still mulling over the decision, with a senior member indicating that they are not operating under pressure and will make a decision that serves the interests of the Palestinian people.
Reactions and Implications
While the ceasefire deal has been welcomed by many, including UN chief Antonio Guterres who urged all parties to fully abide
by its terms, there are others who remain skeptical. US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, indicated that the true success of the deal will be determined by whether Hamas follows through on the logistical aspects of releasing the hostages.
If successful, the ceasefire deal could potentially be a significant diplomatic achievement for President Trump. However, there are concerns about the implications of the deal on the sovereignty and self-governance of the involved states, with Illinois attorney general, Kwame Raoul, arguing that sending in guard troops against a state's will can lead to unrest and harm for residents.
Current Situation
Presently, the situation on the ground remains tense. Despite Trump's demands for Israel to stop bombing Gaza, the attacks have continued, reportedly resulting in the death of at least 19 people over the past 24 hours. Meanwhile, Israeli forces continue to carry out a wide-scale campaign of raids and arrests in the occupied West Bank, targeting dozens of young men.
As the world watches closely, the future of Israel and Gaza hangs in the balance, hinging on the decisions of the involved parties in the coming days.