Lapid Urges Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza Conflict
In a significant development, Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid has called for an immediate end to more than 20 months of conflict in Gaza. This comes at a time when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is under mounting pressure to cease ongoing hostilities. Following a quick resolution to Israel’s recent conflict with Iran, which resulted in a ceasefire last week, key international leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump and former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, have encouraged Netanyahu to pursue a similar termination of violence against Hamas.
Addressing lawmakers from his parliamentary faction, Lapid stated, “There is no longer any benefit for the State of Israel from continuing the war in Gaza. Only damage on the security, political, and economic levels.” He highlighted the army’s consensus on the matter, referencing Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir’s assertion that it was time for political leaders to determine the military’s next objectives, indicating that the army sees no further goals to accomplish in Gaza.
Background of the Conflict
The hostilities in Gaza were ignited by an unprecedented attack from Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023. This tragic incident resulted in the deaths of 1,219 individuals, with the majority being civilians, according to an AFP analysis based on Israeli official data. Israel’s proclaimed aim has been the annihilation of the Islamist organization, yet after more than a year and a half of relentless combat, Hamas continues to retain its foothold in the Gaza Strip.
Lapid emphasized that without establishing an alternative governing body in Gaza, Hamas would be impossible to eliminate. He alluded to the potential roles that Egypt and other Arab nations could play in this endeavor. Notably, a public opinion poll released the day after the ceasefire with Iran revealed that nearly two-thirds of respondents favored ending the conflict in Gaza.
Israel’s Military Focus Shifts Back to Gaza
As the ceasefire with Iran concludes, Israel’s army chief expressed that the military would shift its concentration back to Gaza. Netanyahu mentioned the successful operations against Iran have opened up ‘opportunities’ for resolutions, including the potential release of hostages. He conveyed optimism about addressing both the Gaza situation and the goal of defeating Hamas, asserting that Israel could achieve both aims.
On October 7, during the initial assault by Hamas, Palestinian militants captured 251 individuals as hostages, with reports indicating that 49 are currently being held in Gaza. The Israeli military has sadly confirmed that 27 of these hostages are believed to be deceased. The fallout from Israel’s retaliatory actions has been devastating, with reports suggesting that at least 56,531 individuals have lost their lives in Gaza, predominantly civilians, according to the Hamas-controlled health ministry. The United Nations has acknowledged these figures as credible.
