Two Years of the Gaza War: Hopes for Peace Amid Devastation
Today marks two years since the Gaza conflict began with a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, reshaping the landscape of Gaza. Amid ongoing suffering, indirect talks between Israel and Hamas commenced on Monday at Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh resort, following a peace proposal by the United States, aimed at ending the war.
The negotiations address critical issues including Israel’s demand that Hamas surrender its weapons and the future governance of Gaza. US President Donald Trump has emphasized that peace in Gaza could extend to broader Middle East stability, although Israeli airstrikes have continued, resulting in at least 19 deaths and 96 injuries in the last 24 hours, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.
Talks to Resume and Key Negotiators
An Egyptian official confirmed that the talks will resume on Tuesday. Early discussions reportedly resolved first-phase issues such as a ceasefire and prisoner release.
Israel’s team: Ron Dermer, Ofir Falk (advisor to PM Netanyahu)
Hamas team: Khalil al-Hayyah
US representatives: Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner
The negotiations began with Hamas and Arab mediators meeting first, followed by sessions with the Israeli team.
Focus on Prisoner Exchange
Hamas has stated that the negotiations prioritize:
Ceasefire
Partial Israeli withdrawal
Prisoner exchange
Under the US plan, Hamas is expected to release 48 remaining prisoners within three days and surrender weapons. Prime Minister Netanyahu has indicated the talks will conclude in a few days, although some Hamas officials caution that locating prisoners’ bodies may extend the timeline.
Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi praised Trump’s efforts, emphasizing the importance of preserving the Middle East peace system established in the 1970s.
US Demands and Gaza Casualties
The United States has requested Israel cease its airstrikes to facilitate prisoner releases. Israel claims its operations are for security purposes, yet the Gaza Health Ministry reports over 67,000 deaths and 170,000 injuries to date, with more than half of casualties being women and children.
Families of prisoners have publicly appealed for Trump to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, citing his plan as a source of hope for ending the conflict.
Life in Gaza Two Years Later
Two years on, life in Gaza remains grim. Families like Amal al-Tawil and her husband Mustafa live in tents, struggling with lack of sanitation, food, and medical care. Their son Ali was born amid fear and deprivation, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
“I wanted a safe and happy life for him, but he couldn’t have that,” said Amal.
