On January 19, the first phase of a ceasefire in Gaza started between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas, with a strict six-week time limit. Initially, the ceasefire was scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m., but it came into effect after 11:00 a.m. due to a delay in submitting the list of hostages to be released by Hamas. During this delay of several hours, the Israel Defense Forces continued their airstrikes, resulting in the loss of 19 more lives. On the same day, Hamas released three hostages, and in exchange, Israel freed 90 prisoners. If the ceasefire agreement holds as planned, a total of 33 Israeli captives held in Gaza and 1,890 Palestinians detained in Israeli prisons are set to be “exchanged” as part of the first phase of the ceasefire.

The media referred to the freed Palestinians as “convicts” and “prisoners,” but they are certainly not criminals under indictment or trial. Incidentally, NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation) awards the “Japan Prize” annually to a film that contributes to enhancing the quality of educational programming and fostering mutual cultural understanding on a global scale. This reminds me of Two Kids a Day, the 2023 Grand Prix winner of the Japan Prize. The film follows four Palestinian boys—now young men in the film—who were arrested and incarcerated on charges of throwing stones at Israeli soldiers, which was deemed an act of “terrorism.” It is reported that 700 Palestinian children are arrested by Israeli forces every year, which is the meaning behind the film’s title, Two Kids a Day.

On October 7, 2023, the current hostilities began with a “surprise” attack by Hamas. However, it is important to recognize that continuous violence by the occupying power underpinned the attack. In January 2024, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordered Israel to implement provisional measures to halt the acts of genocide. In July, the ICJ ruled that Israel’s armed occupation of the Palestinian territories and the removal of the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination violated the Charter of the United Nations. In September, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution calling for an end to Israel’s unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, with the support of 124 nations—more than 60% of member states. In November, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu along with a Hamas commander for crimes against humanity and war crimes. However, the U.S., Israel’s most powerful ally, opposed the warrant for Netanyahu and passed a bill imposing sanctions on the ICC. The new Trump administration has upheld the measure.

The realization of a two-state coexistence is still a long way off. The cycle of hatred continues, and finding a solution is no easy task. However, the responsibility for this deeply rooted issue lies in what is called the “entangled histories.” As those who share this era, we too must continue to reflect on it. On Saturday, February 8, from 5:30 p.m., Sen-ichi Books, a shared bookstore where I, the author of this column, play a part in operations, will hold a screening and talk session* of the documentary film, “Kabe” no Soto to Uchi (Outside and Inside the “Wall”), which portrays the current situation in Gaza. We have invited journalist Yasunori Kawakami, the on-the-ground reporter of the film, to the event. By watching the film, we hope, as a first step, you will get a sense of the atmosphere on the ground, witness people’s emotions and expressions, hear their voices, and think about it for yourself. Will you come and join us to share this opportunity? Click here and now to participate.

*Details of the Screening: “Kabe” no Soto to Uchi

https://peatix.com/event/4222916
Date and Time: Saturday, February 8, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

• Venues:
  • Sen-ichi Books (Book sale of Yasunori Kawakami’s books)
    Riviere Sengawa 202, 1-19-24 Sengawa, Chofu, Tokyo
    (1-minute walk from Sengawa Station on the Keio Line)
  • TSOMORIRI Bunko (Screening and talk session)
    1-25-4 Sengawa, Chofu, Tokyo
    (3-minute walk from Sengawa Station on the Keio Line)
• Admission Fee: 3,000 yen (includes a 2,500-yen participation fee and a 500-yen charge for one drink at TSOMORIRI Bunko)

[Click here to participate] *The event was already closed.

 

[Related Article]

Growing Tension in International Situation over Palestine; Safe Environment and Food Security Urgently Needed for Gaza Citizens! (This Week’s Focus, May 31,2024)

 

This Week’s Focus, 1.19 – 1.23

Takashi Mizukoshi, the President