October 7, 2025

Akahata editorial

Two years have passed since Israel launched its genocidal campaign in Palestine’s Gaza Strip in retaliation for the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
　
New developments have emerged as shown by the Hamas announcement of the release of all Israeli hostages held in Gaza and the Israel’s order for partial suspension of hostilities. It is vital to make good use of this opportunity to achieve a permanent ceasefire. In order to put an end to the extreme suffering in Gaza and realize a two-state solution which includes the establishment of a comprehensive and inclusive peace and respects Palestinian’s right to self-determination, the UN involvement and the international community’s efforts are strongly required.

The indiscriminate attack and hostage-taking by Hamas were barbaric acts that cannot be justified under any circumstances. Meanwhile, Israel has escalated its genocide campaign in Gaza with overwhelming military force. The Palestinian health authority has reported that as of October 5, the death toll in Gaze reached 67,139.

Negotiations held in regard to US proposal

U.S. President Donald Trump on September 29 proposed a 20-point plan for the return of all captives as well as for a ceasefire in Gaza. Hamas has indicated its intent to agree on the release of all captives. Following this, Egypt, as a mediator, made public that delegations from Israel and Hamas will enter negotiations on October 6.

The Israeli government reportedly has instructed its military to temporarily halt the operation to seize control of the northern city of Gaza. However, Gaza’s health ministry on October 4 announced that the Israel military carried out air and artillery strikes targeting densely populated areas in the Strip, killing 70 people, including women and children. It is reported that Hamas strongly criticized Israel.

The UN Human Rights Council’s “Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel” released a report on September 16, determining that Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

The report highlights several key facts: the average life expectancy in Gaza decreased from 75.5 years in the year before October 2023 to 40.5 years during the first 12 months of the war; the Israeli military repeatedly bombed civilian homes, shelters, and hospitals; at least 46% of Palestinians killed in Gaza since October 2023 were women and children, and 83% of those killed in Gaza were civilians; and the Israeli military attacked IVF clinics, destroying sperm samples and unfertilized eggs in an apparent its intent prevent births among Palestinians in Gaza. The report condemns Israel for impeding access of humanitarian aid into Gaza and for using starvation as a method of warfare.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) in January 2024 ordered Israel to take all reasonable measures within its power to prevent genocide.

As the death toll continues to rise due to Israel’s genocide and the humanitarian crisis deepens, the calls from the international community for the recognition of Palestine as a state are growing rapidly.

Japan should also fulfill its responsibility

Currently, about 160 countries, including G7 nations such as the U.K., France and Canada, have recognized the State of Palestine, representing 80% of UN member states. The Japanese government, which has held off on recognizing a Palestinian state due to U.S. pressure, should do so without delay.

The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry states that all States have an obligation to prevent genocide wherever and whenever it occurs or may occur and that failure to fulfill this obligation may constitute complicity. The international community should intensify pressure to have Israel end its campaign of genocide in Gaza.