It has been 100 days since the October 7th terror attack in Israel, marking the start of a war with Hamas and the abduction of numerous individuals. As Israel commemorates the lives lost during the attack and remembers those still held hostage, the situation remains dire for many in Gaza and Israel.
While Hamas has not confirmed the well-being or whereabouts of those they kidnapped, it is evident that some of the hostages endure severe injuries and medical conditions. For instance, Hirsch Goldberg-Polen lost his left hand and part of his arm while seeking shelter. Others suffer from ailments such as cancer and diabetes, making access to medical treatment a pressing issue. Efforts to deliver medication have necessitated high-level negotiations, but little progress has been made. Shockingly, Hamas continues to deny even the Red Cross access to the hostages.
On this significant 100-day milestone, emotions run high in Israel, especially for the families of the more than 100 hostages who remain captive in Gaza. Families have been congregating at the border with Gaza, using loudspeakers to send messages to their loved ones, while tens of thousands gather at 'hostages square' in Tel Aviv for a 24-hour rally. The goal is to raise awareness and increase pressure on the Netanyahu government and the international community to secure the release of more hostages.
Regarding the relationship between the United States and Netanyahu's government, there have been public declarations of support from the US. However, tensions have arisen in recent months, particularly between President Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu. White House officials express frustration over Israel's conduct during the war, particularly considering the high number of casualties in Gaza, predominantly women and children. Some reports suggest that President Biden is growing impatient with Netanyahu, a sentiment echoed by US officials. The question now is whether this fraying relationship will result in any concrete changes.
Despite the strained ties, there has been limited progress in terms of concrete actions. Recent discussions between US Secretary of State and Israeli officials have led to an agreement for a UN team to conduct an assessment in northern Gaza. However, many of the Biden administration's requests have yet to be realized by the Israeli government. Notably, there have been no direct communications between the US President and the Israeli Prime Minister since December 23rd when tensions between the two nations became apparent.
As the hostage crisis reaches its 100th day, the families of the abducted individuals and concerned citizens continue to advocate for their release. The Israeli government faces growing pressure domestically, while its relationship with the United States hangs in the balance. The international community watches closely, hoping for progress and a resolution to this devastating situation.
