On Wednesday early morning, yellow ribbons and human chains extended throughout Israel, marking 600 days since Hamas launched its brutal October 7 attack and the Gaza war started. In this report for The Media Line, I covered the demonstrations that emerged across the country– led by captive households and civil society groups– requiring the return of the 58 slaves still thought to be in Gaza. At 6:29 a.m., the exact time the attack started, individuals stood shoulder to take on from Tel Aviv to Zikhron Yaakov, prompting leaders to bring the captives home.
The sense of seriousness is installing. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged recently that just 21 of the captives are believed to live. The Hostages and Missing Out On Households Online forum has actually required the resignation of Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, implicating him of stalling the talks.
This war, now 2 months shy of its 2nd year, has actually cost Israel and Gaza a lot. More than 54,000 Palestinians have actually been eliminated, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run Health Ministry, which does not different fighters from civilians. Israel states it has actually eliminated over 20,000 Hamas fighters and took apart essential military facilities. However on the Israeli side, the toll is likewise heavy: Over 1,200 individuals were eliminated on October 7, and more than 680 soldiers have actually passed away in battle because.
Ceasefire settlements are stalled. Hamas apparently consented to a US-brokered 60-day truce. Israel hasn’t reacted. President Donald Trump supports the offer, however Netanyahu stays dedicated to “outright success.
This is a country extended thin, its individuals worn by war and indecision. The full article, which I reported for The Media Line, provides an in-depth take a look at where the war stands– and where it may go next.