On February 10, Hamas, which effectively governs the Gaza Strip, a Palestinian autonomous area, suggested postponing a hostage exchange, accusing Israel of restricting the delivery of relief supplies. U.S. President Donald Trump reacted immediately, warning, “All hell is going to break out if the hostages are not released by noon on the 15th.” On February 13, Hamas issued a statement confirming that it would proceed with the planned release of hostages to avoid a resumption of fighting. Although the situation rests on “thin ice,” the ceasefire agreement appears to be holding for now.

Behind Hamas's distrust lay the Trump vision presented earlier on February 4 during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. U.S. President Trump declared his ambition, stating, “The Palestinians who live in the Gaza Strip must leave mandatorily, and the United States will own the territory to redevelop the land into a resort area.” Naturally, his statement drew a wave of criticism from the international community, not least from Arab countries. In response, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio explained that the proposal was intended to be temporary, only until the territory was reconstructed. However, President Trump himself later clarified that this was a permanent deal and that the displaced residents would have no right of return. He seems to have no intention of backing down from his “Riviera of the Middle East” vision.

Last weekend, a screening of a documentary film “Kabe” no Soto to Uchi (Outside and Inside the “Wall”): a Field Report on Palestine and Israel, introduced by Journalist Yasunori Kawakami, took place at Sen-ichi Books (Sengawa, Chofu City), a shared bookstore in which the author of this column is partly involved in the operation. In the film, houses are destroyed in the presence of the residents and the school buildings are crushed before the children's eyes. Meanwhile, Israeli settlements in the West Bank continue to expand. How much more must they endure as their lives and freedom are trampled by overwhelming violence? The unreported reality of the West Bank is too devastating for words

Have the people who lost their homes and possessions left this land? No. They have begun life in caves, just as their ancient ancestors once did. To continue living in their homeland—that is a dignity no one can take from them. It also exposes the delusion and arrogance at the heart of the Trump vision. Is there still hope for them? Perhaps the words of a young Israeli offer a clue. By refusing to serve his military obligation, he expressed his hope that ‘something will change.’

This documentary film will be screened at Nishiogi Cinema Junbi-shitsu in Nishiogikubo on February 23 and 24*. We hope many people will come to watch it. Start by learning, then by thinking.

*The Screening for the Documentary Film “Kabe” no Soto to Uchi (Outside and Inside the “Wall”): A Field Report on Palestine and Israel, and Talk Session with Q&A by journalist Yasunori Kawakami (an expert on Middle East affairs)
[Date & Time]
Sunday, February 23, and Monday, February 24, 2025
13:30–16:30 (Doors open at 13:00)

[Venue]
Nishiogi Cinema Junbi-shitsu (3rd floor of Nishiogi Koto-Café)
3-6-2 Nishiogi Minami, Suginami, Tokyo
(3-minute walk from the south exit of Nishiogikubo Station on the JR Line)

[Admission Fee]

• General: 2,000 yen
• College students & younger: 1,500 yen

* Limited to 30 participants (Advance reservation only)
* A one-hour talk session with Q&A will follow the screening.

[Click here to make a reservation.] https://x.com/kawakami_yasu/status/1891856613772038497

*The event was already closed.

 

This Week’s Focus, 2.9 – 2.13

Takashi Mizukoshi, the President