TOKYO - The ceasefire in the Gaza Strip remains fragile but we hope it will lead to permanent peace. This is an opportunity to usher in a new era in the Middle East, with Islamic and Arab nations joining hands with strong backing from the United States. However, both Israel and Palestine face a significant challenge.

On Oct. 7, 2023, a surprise attack by Hamas, which targeted women and children and took hostages, was an extremely vicious act that cannot be forgiven. Meanwhile, Gaza City was devastated by Israel's harsh attacks. More than 70,000 of the approximately 2.2 million residents were killed, and many were displaced.