Hamas, meanwhile, has gone the other way. It accepted a temporary ceasefire and limited hostage deal on Aug 18 – a version strikingly similar to an American proposal in July. This was a marked change from its stance in April, when it said it would “no longer agree to interim deals”, and demanded a comprehensive arrangement instead.
Washington recently joined the clamour by issuing an ultimatum to the Palestinian group: Accept a new American proposal, or face an Israeli invasion. President Donald Trump’s “final warning” landed just before the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) was due to convene on Sep 9. The presumed targets of the Israeli strike had reportedly gathered for discussions on precisely this.
The end result is that both Israel and Hamas are now further from a deal than ever, and another round of bloody fighting will ensue in Gaza City. Worse, all signs are pointing to Israel’s intention of shredding the idea and practicality of a Palestinian state.
THE ISRAELI BULLDOZER
Despite mounting international and domestic pressure, the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to set its sights on eliminating its adversaries, while placating right-wing elements that keep him in power.
Israeli airstrikes recently killed the prime minister of the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, while continuing its assault on South Lebanon even as the US called for Israeli restraint. As Tel Aviv pushes ahead with its military offensive on Gaza City, protests have erupted at home demanding an end to the war, including from many reservists who have refused to comply with mobilisation orders.
