A Two-Year Tragedy and the Path to Peace
Two years ago, on 7 October, the world awoke to the horrors of Hamas’s attack on Israel. The days that followed were marked by fear, as many anticipated a swift and disproportionate response from Israel. This response was driven not by the need to eliminate Hamas or secure the release of hostages, but by a desire for revenge.
It is a testament to the collective failure of the international community that it has taken this long—after more than 67,000 Palestinians have been killed and many more injured and left hungry—for serious negotiations to begin in an effort to end the war. If successful, these talks could bring an end to the bloodshed, lead to the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, and allow adequate humanitarian aid to enter Gaza. They might also pave the way for a better future through a genuine peace process.
However, the success of these negotiations depends heavily on the political leaders involved. This is a cause for concern, especially given the actions of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his extreme right-wing government.
The Consequences of Netanyahu’s Leadership
Netanyahu’s policies have had devastating consequences for both Palestinians and Israelis. His government has brought calamity to Israel, leading to internal polarization and international isolation. Before the war, Netanyahu used his position to legitimize ultra-nationalists, further polarizing Israeli society and compromising its democratic foundations.
Under Netanyahu’s leadership, the worst killing of Jews since the Holocaust occurred. A decent leader with integrity would have apologized for the failure of his government to protect its people and sought to find a path toward peace. Instead, what followed was a complete lack of judgment in responding to the trauma of 7 October. Netanyahu’s actions were driven by a desire for revenge and political survival.
Hamas did not have any justification for its actions on 7 October, but the subsequent indiscriminate violence inflicted on Palestinians in Gaza and parts of the occupied West Bank cannot be excused. The disregard for civilian lives, including children, has led to a shift in global perception. Israel, once seen as a country deserving of sympathy, is now more isolated and accused of committing genocide.
Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his former defense minister, Yoav Gallant, for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. This development has convinced several key international powers to recognize Palestinian statehood, with the UK, France, Spain, and Australia among them.
This act, long overdue, was strongly opposed by the Israeli right and Netanyahu. Now, four out of five permanent members of the UN Security Council and six G7 members support Palestinian statehood. Only the United States seems to stand in the way of Palestine’s admission to the UN as an independent state.
The Divided State of Israel
Two years after the attack, Israel is more divided than ever. Many Israelis accuse their government of breaking the unwritten covenant between the state, its soldiers, and their families. The idea of sparing no effort to release captured soldiers and civilians has always been sacrosanct in Israel.
The prevailing sentiment is that Netanyahu has prolonged the war to please his ultra-right coalition members, avoid a state inquiry into 7 October, and save himself from potential imprisonment. This week’s negotiations in Cairo between representatives of Israel and Hamas have led to cautious optimism that the war may be nearing its end. However, this does not guarantee that it will lead to peace negotiations capable of bringing about a just and fair resolution to the conflict.
For a lasting solution, both Israel and the Palestinians will need new leadership and a recognition that a political solution, not a military one, is essential.
