Demonstrations opposing the Gaza Conflict
Israel has been embroiled in a prolonged conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip, a conflict that began in October 2023 and has claimed approximately 1,200 lives and left over 250 hostages in Gaza. A new comprehensive proposal to end the war was agreed upon on January 15, 2025, following months of mediation by Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S.
The proposal, which closely follows a plan initially proposed by former U.S. President Joe Biden in May 2024, is structured in three key phases. The first phase involves a six-week ceasefire, the immediate halt to hostilities, the release of women and children hostages or detainees, Israeli withdrawal from densely populated Gaza areas, and increased humanitarian aid flow to Gaza.
The second phase focuses on negotiations for a permanent end, with full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, the release of remaining hostages, and the commencement of peace talks. The third phase involves a multiyear period for rebuilding Gaza and establishing a Palestinian government without Hamas as the ruling authority.
However, the implementation of this proposal has been inconsistent, and talks remain deadlocked as of mid-2025. Significant challenges persist, with Israel resisting full withdrawal from strategic areas like the Philadelphi corridor, and questions about Hamas's role and the nature of Gaza’s governance remaining unresolved.
Ceasefire talks resumed through mid-2025 but stalled again in late July 2025, with the U.S. and Israel recalling negotiators from Qatar, citing Hamas’s lack of good faith in negotiations. The proposed plan under discussion involved an initial 60-day ceasefire, prisoner and hostage exchanges, increased humanitarian aid, and talks on a lasting ceasefire afterward.
In early August 2025, Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu's government approved a security plan to take control of Gaza City. This plan emphasizes five principles aimed at defeating Hamas and securing hostages: disarming Hamas, returning hostages, demilitarizing Gaza, maintaining Israeli security control, and establishing a civil administration excluding both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority.
Israel estimates that there are still 20 live hostages in the hands of Hamas. The capture of Gaza is expected to begin at an unspecified time. The countries criticizing the decision argue that it would exacerbate the humanitarian situation, put hostages' lives at risk, and lead to the massive displacement of civilians.
Germany, one of the criticizing countries, has announced a halt on exports of arms goods that could be used in the Gaza war. The German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, has rejected criticism that the federal government is implementing a risky shift in its Israel policy with this decision, stating that Germany continues to support Israel in defending its existence and security.
As the conflict continues, the international community continues to call for a comprehensive agreement to end the war, fearing for the lives of the hostages still believed to be in Gaza. The Forum of Hostages' Relatives in Israel has been vocal in its calls for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
References: [1] BBC News [2] The Jerusalem Post [3] Al Jazeera [4] The Times of Israel
Political discussions intensify as the international community urges a permanent resolution to the ongoing war-and-conflicts between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, following the stalled ceasefire talks and continued Israeli military operations. Despite calls for general-news reports focusing on peacebuilding and diplomacy, these operations have led to renewed concerns about hostages and political instability in the region.
