Background on Key Figures and Context
On the anniversary of Hamas’s 2023 attack that sparked two years of war, Israel continued its offensive against Gaza using tanks, naval forces, and airstrikes. This military action comes as indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel are underway in Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh resort, addressing sensitive issues such as Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza and Hamas’s disarmament.
Donald Trump’s peace plan has been considered the most promising attempt to end this war that has claimed tens of thousands of Palestinian lives. The plan aims to cease hostilities, release captives, and provide aid to Gaza.
Military Actions and Statements
On the anniversary, various Palestinian factions, including Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and smaller groups, pledged to continue “resistance by all available means” against Israel until Palestinian lands and holy sites are liberated.
Heavy bombardments by tanks, aircraft, and naval forces targeted multiple districts in Gaza early Tuesday. In response, militant groups fired rockets across the border, triggering air raid sirens in the Israeli kibbutz of Netiv Haasara. Meanwhile, Israeli troops continued clashing with armed individuals within the enclave.
Israel’s Isolation and International Support for Palestine
Israel’s military offensive against Gaza, which has reportedly killed over 67,000 people and devastated the small enclave, has internationally isolated Israel.
Some Western leaders have recognized Palestine as a state, and pro-Palestinian protests have erupted worldwide. Both Israel and Hamas support the general principles of Trump’s plan, which includes ending hostilities, releasing captives, and providing aid to Gaza.
Trump’s Pursuit of a Foreign Policy Triumph
Trump has invested significant political capital in his efforts to end the conflict. If an agreement is reached during Egyptian negotiations, significant questions will remain, such as who will govern and reconstruct Gaza.
Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have ruled out any role for Hamas, which took control of Gaza in 2007 following a brief civil war with its rivals.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the significance of the anniversary? The anniversary marks Hamas’s 2023 attack on Israel, which initiated two years of war and led to numerous casualties.
- Who is involved in the negotiations? Indirect talks are taking place between Hamas and Israel, mediated by Egypt, addressing sensitive issues like Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and Hamas’s disarmament.
- What are the main objectives of Trump’s peace plan? The plan aims to cease hostilities, release captives, and provide aid to Gaza.
- Why is Israel isolated internationally? The intense military actions against Gaza have resulted in a high death toll and widespread destruction, leading to international criticism and isolation of Israel.
- What are the remaining questions if an agreement is reached? Key unanswered questions include who will govern and reconstruct Gaza, as well as Hamas’s role in the region.
