Former Israeli IDF Chief Calls Palestinian State ‘Irrelevant’ After Oct. 7, Criticizes Netanyahu’s Hostage, Postwar Policies

In the aftermath of the October 7 attacks, Israeli politician Gadi Eisenkot emphasized that the establishment of a Palestinian state has become irrelevant, advocating that Israel approach the issue from a position of strength rather than seeking concessions. He criticized Prime Minister Netanyahu for turning a national consensus into a divisive conflict influenced by far-right political interests and for inadequate efforts to free hostages and secure postwar arrangements, while expressing concern over U.S. direct talks with Hamas without Israeli involvement. Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa called for an agreement to implement initiatives from the Baghdad Development Summit, focusing on peace through a Gaza ceasefire, humanitarian aid, and reconstruction efforts. The Comorian Foreign Minister Mbaye Mohamed reaffirmed the Palestinian issue as central to Middle Eastern conflict, urging an end to the war and humanitarian crisis in Gaza and condemning displacement and starvation policies. Meanwhile, an analysis highlights the ongoing violence in Gaza as part of a broader pattern of settler-colonialism and accuses Israel of committing acts that may constitute genocide, as suggested by the International Court of Justice, while stressing the urgent need to move beyond legal debates to address the humanitarian catastrophe. These perspectives collectively underscore the complexity and deep divisions shaping the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the urgent humanitarian and political challenges it presents.