After 25 years reporting from the Middle East, the familiar saying still rings true: “The more things change, the more they stay the same.”
Our recent three-week stay has been anything but uneventful, a rollercoaster of highs and lows.
Our initial assignment involved meeting released hostages and families of those still held, a key concern for most Israelis. Forty-eight individuals were captured by terrorists, with 20 still alive after nearly two years of the Gaza conflict.
On the 700th day of captivity, we met Lishay Lava-Mira, who pleaded for her husband Omri’s return. Liron Berman expressed confidence in his twin brothers’ survival, while Keith Siegel, a former hostage himself for nearly 500 days, appealed to figures beyond the Israeli government for assistance, specifically asking Trump to continue his efforts.
Early in our stay, there was optimism regarding a new peace proposal from . This plan entailed the release of all 48 hostages in exchange for 3,000 Palestinian prisoners and a ceasefire to evaluate subsequent actions.
However, this seemingly viable plan quickly faced setbacks.
The first was a horrific attack we learned of during breakfast at our hotel: two gunmen opened fire on a bus and bus stop in Jerusalem, resulting in six fatalities and numerous injuries. The scenes were devastating, and the response to neutralize the attackers was valiant.
The following morning, while reviewing news on our hotel balcony, cameraman Ben and I noticed our experienced producer Yael excitedly jumping inside.
Israel had taken the unexpected step of targeting Hamas leadership in Doha, Qatar, a supposed neutral zone. Militants claimed they were discussing the peace plan at the time. Consequently, the U.S. proposal collapsed, mirroring the fate of those reportedly killed in the Israeli strike (though no leaders were apparently harmed).
To further undermine peace talks, Israel initiated a large-scale ground invasion of Gaza City, aiming to eliminate the remaining 3,000 Hamas fighters and their infrastructure. Netanyahu stated that the events that began in Gaza on October 7th with the Hamas massacre and hostage-taking would conclude in Gaza.
This is where frustration arises for seasoned combat reporters like myself and our skilled war team consisting of cameraman Ben, Producer Yael, and Security Rob. As has been the case throughout the war, Israel is limiting access to the Gaza operation.
Therefore, we rely on local journalists to depict the devastation, the destruction of the urban landscape, and, crucially, the widespread suffering. Hundreds of thousands of civilians, many not Hamas supporters, are enduring the living hell brought upon them by the terrorists and the ongoing conflict.
Consider the saying, “I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy.” While I might apply it to Hamas, it doesn’t extend to the innocent Palestinian children who are ignorant of the geopolitical complexities.
To their credit, IDF officials report a deliberate, cautious approach through Gaza’s devastated terrain, prioritizing the safety of civilians and hostages. However, with Hamas-affiliated local health officials reporting 65,000 deaths after two years of war, this feels somewhat belated.
According to the officials we spoke with, this Gaza City operation could last up to four months. This is too long for the demoralized reservists fighting the war, the residents enduring it, and the desperate hostages.
Unless a breakthrough occurs.
It’s no surprise that locals are looking to and/or various countries, organizations, and figures (including the Pope) to intervene, as local leaders have not been successful. Israel’s previous conflicts with adversaries like Hezbollah and Iran resembled more refined 21st-century warfare. The fighting in Gaza, however, is reminiscent of the brutal trench warfare of World War I.
Between live broadcasts and reporting in Tel Aviv, we occasionally visit the city’s bustling bars and restaurants, which remain vibrant despite the circumstances. We reflect on what this country could be like, and what life could be like for the diverse Palestinian population, free from the burden of war.
This trip offered no answers.