Tel-Aviv/Gaza - As the Israel-Hamas conflict marks its 100th day, it stands as the longest and deadliest clash between the two entities since Israel's establishment in 1948, with no signs of resolution.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted that Israel would not be swayed by the ongoing case at the International Court of Justice in The Hague, where it faces allegations of conducting a campaign in Gaza amounting to genocide.
In a news conference, he emphatically stated, "We will not be stopped – neither by The Hague, nor by the Axis of Evil, nor by anyone else." Here, he was referencing Hamas, along with the Iranian-backed Hezbollah and Houthi militias, which have expressed their support.
Israel declared war in response to Hamas' unprecedented cross-border attack on October 7, resulting in 1,200 casualties and 250 hostages. This attack, the deadliest in Israel's history and for Jews since the Holocaust, prompted weeks of intense airstrikes in Gaza before escalating into a ground offensive.
Israel initiated weeks of intense airstrikes in Gaza before escalating to a ground offensive. The objective, as stated by Israel, is to crush Hamas and secure the release of over 100 hostages. More than three months later, Hamas remains resilient, and hostages remain in captivity.
The October 7 attack blindsided Israel, shattering the nation's faith in its leaders. The public, while supporting the military's efforts, grapples with deep trauma, reliving the tragic events daily. Posters of hostages line streets, and citizens call for their return through T-shirts. Israeli news channels provide continuous coverage of war stories, funerals, and reports from Gaza, maintaining a focus on the October 7 narrative.
As the conflict persists, with the death toll escalating, the path to resolution remains uncertain.
Israel asserts that Hamas cannot have a role in shaping Gaza's future, a stance firmly opposed by Hamas, considering it an illusion.
The U.S. and the international community advocate for a reinvigorated Palestinian Authority to govern Gaza, emphasizing progress toward a two-state solution. However, Israel disagrees with this proposal.
Divergence also exists on the question of Israel's long-term military presence in Gaza. While Israel favors maintaining such a presence, the U.S. opposes the reoccupation of the territory.
Despite experiencing a significant decline in his public approval ratings, Netanyahu has remained steadfast in rejecting calls for apologies, resignation, or investigations into his government's shortcomings. Leading the country for nearly 15 years, Netanyahu asserts that any investigations into the matter will take place after the conclusion of the ongoing war.
Netanyahu's attempts to sideline the Palestinian issue have been upended. The conflict has brought the Israeli-Palestinian conflict back to the center stage, with global attention, four visits by U.S. Secretary of State Blinken, and a genocide case against Israel in the U.N. world court.
Gaza, already grappling with difficulties pre-October 7 due to a blockade, now witnesses unprecedented destruction. Intense Israeli bombings have led to over 23,000 casualties, 80% displacement, and a dire humanitarian situation. Experts estimate that around half of Gaza's buildings have been damaged or destroyed.
The conflict's impact extends beyond Israel and Gaza, with Hezbollah in Lebanon launching strikes and Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen targeting civilian ships. Escalating tensions pose a broader threat to the Middle East, involving a U.S.-led alliance against Iranian-backed groups.
As the war continues with no clear end in sight, uncertainties surround the postwar scenario. Disagreements persist regarding the role of Hamas in Gaza's future, governance by the Palestinian Authority, and steps toward a two-state solution.