Dozens of family members of hostages held by Hamas stormed a committee meeting in Israel’s parliament Monday, demanding a deal to win their loved ones’ release, as European foreign ministers joined growing international calls for Israel to negotiate on the creation of a Palestinian state after the war.
The increasing pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is evident as he faces demands from both the families of the hostages and the international community. Netanyahu has insisted that the ongoing offensive in Gaza is necessary to bring the hostages home, while rejecting the United States’ vision for a postwar resolution, which includes the creation of a Palestinian state.
The dispute over Gaza’s future not only puts Israel at odds with its top ally and much of the international community but also poses a significant obstacle to postwar governance and reconstruction efforts in the devastated coastal territory.
Israeli strikes and shelling have intensified in and around the southern city of Khan Younis, forcing Palestinian families to flee south in pickup trucks and donkey carts loaded with their possessions. The city has been a battle zone for weeks, with numerous casualties reported, including children. Strikes have also hit schools that were serving as shelters for displaced people.
The war has taken a toll on Gaza’s infrastructure, with the collapse of internet and phone networks for the 10th time during the conflict. This severely hampers the distribution of aid, which is essential for the survival of Gaza’s population. It also prevents Palestinians from communicating with each other and the outside world.
Netanyahu remains determined to continue the offensive until “complete victory” over Hamas and the return of all remaining hostages. However, Israelis are increasingly divided on whether these goals are achievable.
Around 100 hostages were freed under a ceasefire deal in November, but approximately 130 remain captive, with some confirmed dead. Hamas has stated that it will only release more captives in exchange for an end to the war and the release of thousands of Palestinian prisoners. Netanyahu has ruled out such an agreement, leading to rising anger among the families of the hostages.
In a show of frustration, dozens of family members stormed into a gathering of the Knesset’s finance committee, demanding action and holding up signs that read, “You won’t sit here while they are dying there!”
The offensive in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of at least 25,295 Palestinians and the injury of over 60,000, with around two-thirds of those killed being women and children. The situation in Khan Younis remains dire, with hospitals struggling to cope with the influx of casualties. Israeli troops have even stormed hospitals, detaining medical staff.
As a result of the war, a significant portion of Gaza’s population has been displaced, with approximately 85% forced from their homes. The delivery of humanitarian aid has been hindered, leading to widespread starvation and a shortage of basic necessities. Only 15 bakeries are currently operational across Gaza.
Netanyahu is facing mounting pressure from the United States to shift to more precise military operations and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid. The US is also calling for a reformed Palestinian Authority to govern Gaza after the war and for negotiations to begin on a two-state solution. However, Netanyahu has rejected both proposals, as his governing coalition is aligned with far-right parties that advocate for an escalated offensive and the establishment of Jewish settlements in Gaza.
European Union foreign ministers have also joined the calls for a Palestinian state, emphasizing that it is the only path to peace. Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister has stated that the kingdom will not normalize relations with Israel or contribute to Gaza’s reconstruction without a credible path to a Palestinian state.
The conflict in Gaza has further stoked tensions in the region, with Iran-backed groups attacking Israeli and US targets in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen.
The ongoing war and its consequences highlight the urgent need for a resolution that addresses the concerns and aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians. The creation of a Palestinian state and the cessation of hostilities are crucial steps towards achieving lasting peace in the region.