One year later: Israel-Hamas war continues to spiral as conflict escalates in the Middle East
The war continues one year after Hamas' Oct. 7 surprise attack on Israel as violence and international calls for a cease-fire grow.
The war continues one year after Hamas' Oct. 7 surprise attack on Israel as violence and international calls for a cease-fire grow.
The war continues one year after Hamas' Oct. 7 surprise attack on Israel as violence and international calls for a cease-fire grow.
While violence and international calls for a cease-fire grow, protests and vigils across the U.S. and abroad will mark the one-year anniversary of the deadly Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel. The resulting war has killed thousands of civilians. In Gaza, Israeli air and ground operations have pushed devastated areas to famine and disease as the country remains determined to root out Hamas terrorists.
But the U.S. has remained firm in Israel's right to defend itself, and despite one temporary cease-fire last November, finding peace between the two sides has remained elusive.
"We cannot give up on a two-state solution," President Joe Biden said during an Oval Office address last year. "Israel and Palestinians equally deserve to live in safety, dignity and peace. There is no higher priority for me than the safety of Americans held hostage."
The deaths and humanitarian crisis have, at times, isolated Israel.
"It is a remarkable tactical success for Hamas," Marc Sandalow, a Hearst political analyst, said. "Hamas has now gotten a huge portion of the United States to turn anti-Israel."
Meanwhile, Israel is also countering Iran-backed terrorist groups, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and Houthi rebels in Yemen, and direct air strikes from Iran, threatening to spill into all-out war in the Middle East.
"If we had been able to bring [the war] to an end, perhaps we wouldn't have had the widening war," Evelyn Farkas of the McCain Institute said. "But we have to be fair to the (Biden) administration: Neither Hamas nor the Israeli government want a cease-fire, and it's hard to push the right levers on them."
Biden says he and U.S. officials have been in touch with their Israeli counterparts to reach a deal but recently expressed uncertainty over Netanyahu's intentions, suggesting the prime minister may be holding off in order to influence public opinion and the upcoming general election.
Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris both agree that the U.S. will continue to back Israel but have also pressured the country to reach a cease-fire and limit civilian casualties.
Harris says she supports a two-state solution, while former President Donald Trump has been less clear on his positioning. Trump has stated previously that he will support Israel and its right to defend itself.
Analysts suggest that Netanyahu likely favors a Trump presidency.
Biden will mark the one-year anniversary of the war by participating in a yahrzeit candle lighting alongside a rabbi. Harris will plant a memorial tree at the Vice President's Residence in honor of the victims.