Glimmers of Hope in Israel and Gaza Crushed, Tensions Rise With Iran
In the aftermath of the terror attack on Israel on October 7 and the resulting military response on Gaza, there were whispers of hope that peace might be an ensuing outcome. However, a year after, the anticipation has been utterly obliterated. The Israeli population is still in shock, and Hamas' hostages' families are thwarted into excruciating distress, not knowing the fate of their loved ones. Simultaneously, the people of Gaza have seen unprecedented human loss due to one of history's most intense bombing campaigns administered by Israel. The strikes have killed tens of thousands, turning the area into ruins. Currently, the threat of an all-out war persists, putting Israel and Iran on the brink of conflict, potentially drawing in Western powers.
On the fateful day a year ago during the Supernova festival in the Negev Desert, Hamas fighters pierced through the Gaza-Israel perimeter fence, killing 364 festival attendees and several others in nearby regions. The attack had been harrowing, with Israel Defense Forces' response lacking speed and organization. A total of 1,200 lives were claimed in the attack, with an additional 251 people kidnapped. This terror attack was one of the deadliest for Israel.
In the aftermath of the attack, Israel has gained a new perspective on its vulnerability, faced with numerous hostile forces and a rise in anti-semitism abroad. With the situation worsening, the Israeli public opinion has shown a shift away from its pro-war consensus; about 56% favor a withdrawal from Gaza on the condition of the safe return of the remaining hostages.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, under heavy criticism for his refusal to negotiate a hostage deal, maintains that Hamas must be annihilated. His critics argue that the ongoing crisis is being manipulated to his political advantage to avert political removal and continued corruption trials.
Israel's retaliation to the Hamas attack took the form of an intense bombing campaign on Gaza that resulted in heavy casualties, the destruction of entire neighborhoods, and widespread humanitarian distress. This included war crime accusations due to forced displacement. More than 2 million people have been compelled to leave their homes amidst worsening famine and other shortages. Hopes for peace seem more elusive than ever.
Amidst the devastation, two points of optimism remain for Palestinians. First, a January ruling by the International Court of Justice to consider accusations of genocide against Israel and, later, a request by the International Criminal Court’s prosecutor for arrest warrants for Netanyahu and the Defense Minister along with Hamas leaders over alleged war crimes. Second, a survey by a California business intelligence company revealing declining global support for Israel among 42 of the 43 countries surveyed.
The situation in the region has been further intensified with the rise in attacks from Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant and political group, drawing Israel into a conflict with Lebanon and leading to an additional humanitarian crisis there. In recent weeks, Israel carried out an attack targeting Hezbollah, leading to Iran's retaliatory act of firing hundreds of missiles at Israel.
Increased apprehension exists in Israel and on the global stage on where this heightened aggression could lead. Concerns point to the possibility of a larger confrontation in the north with the Iran-Shiite axis, an event that would dramatically dwarf the destruction and trauma experienced in Gaza.