Amid failed ceasefires and polarised narratives, a new peace plan brokered by US President Donald Trump has emerged, promising a lasting truce, hostage releases, and a phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. But as headlines proclaim 'the war is over,' questions linger about its durability.
In an exclusive interview with IGIHE, Israel's Ambassador to Rwanda, Einat Weiss, offered a candid perspective on the ceasefire, Israel's stance on accountability, the emotional toll of the conflict, and the fragile hope for peace.
Speaking from Kigali, where she began her diplomatic mission just 50 days before the war erupted, Weiss reflected on the human and strategic dimensions of a conflict that has reshaped Israel and its global relationships.
A personal and national trauma
The war's onset was deeply personal for Weiss. 'When October 7 happened, it was deeply traumatic,' she said, recalling the chaos as 1,500 Israelis were killed, hostages were taken, and missiles rained across the country. Her husband, Aviad, driven by what she describes as Israel's 'deep patriotism,' volunteered as a reservist, serving multiple tours in the Southern Command until recently.
'My parents and family were in shelters,' Weiss added. 'As a human being, it was challenging to start a new diplomatic mission amidst such uncertainty.'
She highlighted the resilience shown by many Israelis, noting that around 500,000 people, over 5% of the population, gathered in Hostages Square to mark the recent peace agreement.
'If terror is abandoned and its sponsors held accountable, a positive future is possible,' she said.
A historic ceasefire
The Trump-brokered deal, finalised in October 2025, marks a turning point. Weiss described Monday, October 13, 2025, the day the hostages were released, as 'the most optimistic day we've experienced in the last two years,' with all 20 known hostages released from Gaza, either after crossing the border or while in Red Cross custody.
'They are on their way back to their families,' she said, though their physical and emotional conditions remain unclear.
Unlike previous ceasefires, which failed to hold, Weiss said the latest agreement is bolstered by its concise 20-point framework and 'strong American safeguards.'
She credits the timing with Hamas "weakened" after two years of Israeli operations targeting its leadership, and President Trump's personal pressure on all parties. The plan aims to demilitarize Hamas, dismantle its 600 kilometers of tunnels, and create a safe zone for Israel's security.
'This is the first time Hamas agreed to these terms,' Weiss noted.
Accountability in the wake of heightened criticism
The war's toll of over 67,000 reported deaths in Gaza, half of them women and children, according to human rights organisations, has fueled accusations of genocide and the use of disproportionate force by Israel.
Weiss denied accusations of genocide and excessive force as 'false,' framing the conflict as an 'asymmetric war' against a terror organization. She accused Hamas of using civilians as human shields, operating from hospitals and homes, and blocking evacuations to provoke global condemnation.
'Israel has done more than most armies to minimize harm,' she stated, pointing to warnings via pamphlets and instances where soldiers' lives were risked to avoid civilian casualties.
However, critics argue that Israel's extensive airstrikes and ground operations in densely populated Gaza, resulting in over 67,000 reported deaths, raise serious questions about proportionality and the effectiveness of these measures, especially given Israel's advanced intelligence capabilities.
Weiss dismissed calls for independent investigations into Israel's actions, arguing that equating a state with a terror group like Hamas, which she says 'openly disregards international law,' is misguided. She defended Israel's judicial system as 'robust' and capable of meeting international standards for self-investigation.
'We investigate thoroughly, even during the war,' she said, acknowledging mistakes but stressing efforts to learn from them.
However, critics contend that Israel's internal probes may lack impartiality, given the scale of destruction in Gaza and allegations of war crimes, raising doubts about whether self-investigation can adequately address international concerns over accountability.
Rebuilding Gaza and Israel's role
The peace plan prioritizes Gaza's reconstruction, redirecting funds to health, infrastructure, and economic growth. Weiss notes Israel provided aid throughout the war, though much was looted by Hamas. The agreement aims to ensure aid reaches civilians.
Before October 7, 2023, Gaza saw economic growth through Israeli work permits, she says, yet critics argue Israel's blockade and restrictions stifled Gaza's potential long before the war.
The plan's transitional technocratic government, backed by the U.S. and Arab states, seeks to replace Hamas' rule. An International Stability Force will work with the IDF to ensure demilitarization, but Weiss emphasizes Hamas must cease as a terror entity.
Palestinian statehood and global perceptions
On the contentious issue of Palestinian statehood, Weiss reiterated Israel's conditions: the Palestinian Authority must stop encouraging terrorism, including compensating families of attackers and promoting anti-Israel material in schools. Only then, she said, can a U.S.-led dialogue proceed, as outlined in the agreement's final points. Critics argue that Israel's conditions delay negotiations, maintaining the status quo.
Global opinion, especially among African youth, remains polarised, with many viewing Israel's actions in Gaza as disproportionate due to the high civilian toll and widespread destruction. Ambassador Weiss attributed these perceptions to misinformation on social media, often driven by anti-Israel agendas. She urged audiences to look beyond the conflict, emphasising that Israel offers significant contributions in areas like agriculture and technology.
While some African nations criticised Israel, she added, others strengthened their support, visiting Israel and its border areas.
'Criticism often reflects specific agendas,' Weiss said, 'but Africa remains a key friend. Israel has increased its focus on Africa, with frequent high-level visits reflecting mutual interests and support, including at the UN.'
The ambassador also dismissed concerns that the conflict could escalate to involve Hezbollah or Iran, pointing instead to a de-escalating trend and urging critics to focus on Iran's role in militarizing the region.
'The situation is de-escalating, not escalating. Hezbollah is weakened, and Iran's influence is being countered. The focus now is on stabilization and rebuilding,' she said.
Even as Trump declared the war over on Monday, Weiss struck a cautious tone. 'The war is officially over, with Israel withdrawing as agreed,' she noted, 'but Hamas must fulfill its obligations, including surrendering weapons and addressing the tunnels.'
Watch the full interview below:
Wycliffe Nyamasege
