Is the way to the next stage of the Gaza peace plan paved after funeral of last hostage? | DW News

Israel-Gaza Conflict: Funeral of Final Hostage & Prospects for Peace

Key Concepts:

• October 7th Attack: The Hamas-led terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which triggered the current conflict.
• Hostage Crisis: The capture and holding of Israeli citizens by Hamas during the conflict.
• Ceasefire & Peace Plan: Proposed by US President Trump, aiming to halt hostilities and establish a lasting peace.
• Disarmament of Hamas: A key Israeli objective, involving removing Hamas’s weapons and military capabilities.
• Rafa Crossing: A crucial border crossing between Gaza and Egypt, potentially reopening for aid delivery and negotiations.
• Netanyahu’s Political Position: The influence of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s domestic political considerations on the peace process.
• Geneva Center for Security Policy: An organization focused on international security and conflict resolution.

1. The Return of Ron Gaveili & End of a Chapter

The funeral of Ron Gaveili, the final hostage recovered from Gaza, was held in Israel. Gaveili, a 24-year-old officer in a special police unit, was killed during the October 7th, 2023 Hamas attack while fighting militants in Nikuts Alum. This attack resulted in the deaths of 1,200 Israelis and initiated the ongoing war, which has claimed the lives of over 70,000 Palestinians. The return of Gaveili’s body, after 843 days, is seen by many Israelis as a closure to the hostage crisis, though a bittersweet one. A mourner at the funeral stated, “very sad day but it’s a makes me happy that he come he came to bury here… all we wanted is for him to come home.”

2. Israeli Government’s Stance & Objectives

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted credit for securing the return of all hostages, emphasizing the simultaneous pursuit of military objectives. He stated, “We acted and we found Rani. So we achieved what we were yearning for for 843 days to bring all of our brothers and sisters back home.” Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s goals: “to disarm Hamas of its weapons, to demilitarize the Gaza Strip, and we will achieve this, too.” He also issued a stern warning: “Those who seek to kill us should know whoever raises their hand against Israel will pay an unbearable price.” There is a call within Israel for a thorough investigation into the failures that led to the October 7th attack, with demands for accountability at all levels.

3. Analysis by Nomi Bar Yakov – Peace Negotiator

Nomi Bar Yakov, a peace negotiator with the Geneva Center for Security Policy, provided analysis on the situation. She acknowledged the closure regarding the hostages but cautioned that achieving lasting peace presents “vast challenges.” She believes Hamas will likely integrate into the new administration in Gaza, rather than being completely eradicated. Bar Yakov emphasized the need to separate the emotional healing process from the complex political realities of achieving peace. She stated, “I think we need to separate the issue of healing… the pain that Israel experienced… and then there is the question of how to get to peace.”

4. The Role of US President Trump & Potential for a Ceasefire

The return of the final hostage is seen as potentially paving the way for the next phase of US President Trump’s ceasefire and peace plan. There is discussion about the possible opening of the Rafa crossing on Sunday to facilitate aid delivery and negotiations. However, Bar Yakov highlighted the critical role of the relationship between Netanyahu and Trump, stating that the US President’s leverage over Netanyahu will be crucial.

5. Challenges to Lasting Peace & Netanyahu’s Political Considerations

Bar Yakov expressed skepticism about achieving lasting peace while Benjamin Netanyahu remains Prime Minister and Hamas retains influence in Gaza. She predicted that Hamas will maintain influence, with Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey potentially overseeing the management of heavy weapons as part of a disarmament process. She believes Netanyahu is unlikely to pursue a genuine ceasefire, as it could jeopardize his government and potentially lead to early elections. She suggested he might even consider military action against Iran to bolster his position, or rely on the US to do so. “He is going to try to block… the implementation of the ceasefire because as much because he'd like to keep his government intact,” Bar Yakov explained. She noted that Netanyahu is currently leading in the polls and may attempt to leverage this position to remain in power, even amidst legal challenges.

6. Political Landscape & Potential Elections

The possibility of early elections in Israel was discussed, potentially occurring in the summer. Bar Yakov indicated that the passage of the budget in the Knesset (Israeli parliament) is a key factor influencing the timing of elections. She also pointed out that a plea bargain in Netanyahu’s ongoing trial, which some hoped would force his resignation, is not currently impacting his political standing.

7. Technical Terms & Concepts:

• Nikuts Alum: The location where Ron Gaveili was killed during the October 7th attack.
• Knesset: The Israeli parliament.
• Demilitarization: The process of reducing or eliminating military forces and weapons.
• Rafa Crossing: A border crossing between Gaza and Egypt, vital for aid and potential negotiations.
• Messianic Government: Referring to the current Israeli government's strong ideological and religious convictions.

8. Logical Connections & Synthesis

The transcript establishes a clear connection between the tragic return of the final hostage and the broader context of the Israel-Gaza conflict. It highlights the emotional closure for Israelis while simultaneously emphasizing the immense political and logistical challenges that remain in achieving a lasting peace. The interview with Nomi Bar Yakov provides a critical perspective, suggesting that the return of the hostage, while significant, does not necessarily translate into progress towards a ceasefire or a sustainable resolution. The analysis underscores the importance of external factors, particularly the role of the US and the internal political dynamics within Israel, in shaping the future of the conflict.

Conclusion:

The funeral of Ron Gaveili marks the end of a painful chapter regarding the hostages, but the path to peace remains fraught with obstacles. The Israeli government’s unwavering commitment to disarming Hamas, coupled with Netanyahu’s political calculations and the complex regional dynamics, present significant hurdles. The success of any future peace plan hinges on the willingness of all parties to compromise and the active involvement of international mediators, particularly the United States. The situation remains highly volatile, and the prospect of lasting peace appears distant without a fundamental shift in political will and strategic approach.