What's happened
Two years after Hamas's attack on Israel, the conflict has intensified with Israel's offensive killing over 67,000 Palestinians and displacing most of Gaza's population. Indirect peace talks are ongoing in Egypt, but deep divisions persist, especially over hostages and disarmament. Memorials honor victims amid ongoing violence.
What's behind the headline?
The current escalation underscores the profound regional and political divisions that have persisted since the 2023 Hamas attack. The Israeli government, led by Netanyahu, remains committed to disarming Hamas and securing the release of hostages, but internal dissent and international criticism complicate efforts. The ongoing indirect talks in Egypt aim to establish a ceasefire and address key issues like hostage release and Gaza's governance, yet trust remains fragile. The deep humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with over 67,000 dead and most of the population displaced, highlights the devastating toll of the conflict. International actors are increasingly divided, with some condemning Israel's tactics as potentially genocidal, while others support its right to self-defense. The political and military stalemate suggests that a durable resolution remains distant, and the cycle of violence is likely to continue unless significant diplomatic breakthroughs occur. The memorials and protests reflect a nation deeply scarred, with the conflict shaping regional stability for years to come.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that Israel's offensive has killed over 67,000 Palestinians, with many civilians among the casualties, and Gaza experiencing famine due to displacement and restrictions on aid. The article highlights Israel's military actions and the deep divisions within Israeli society, including protests and memorials organized by families rather than the government. It also notes the ongoing indirect peace talks in Egypt, with most issues, including hostages and disarmament, still unresolved.
AP News emphasizes the deep divisions over Netanyahu's leadership, with memorials organized by families and protests against the government. It details the ongoing conflict's toll, including the displacement of Gaza's population and the severe humanitarian crisis. The article also discusses the regional escalation involving Iran and Hezbollah, and the international criticism of Israel's tactics, including allegations of genocide. The peace talks in Egypt are described as ongoing, with some agreement on initial terms but no final resolution. Both sources agree on the tragic human toll and the political complexities, but AP News provides a more detailed account of internal Israeli dissent and regional implications.
How we got here
In October 2023, Hamas launched a surprise attack on southern Israel, killing around 1,200 civilians and abducting 251. Israel responded with a large-scale military offensive into Gaza, leading to tens of thousands of Palestinian deaths and widespread displacement. The conflict has since expanded regionally, involving Iran and Hezbollah, with ongoing indirect peace negotiations in Egypt. The situation remains deeply divided, with protests and memorials reflecting national trauma.
Go deeper
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist militant organization. It has a social service wing, Dawah, and a military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.
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Benjamin Netanyahu is an Israeli politician serving as Prime Minister of Israel since 2009, and previously from 1996 to 1999. Netanyahu is also the Chairman of the Likud – National Liberal Movement.
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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The Gaza Strip, or simply Gaza, is a self-governing Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, that borders Egypt on the southwest for 11 kilometers and Israel on the east and north along a 51 km border.