Israel has relentlessly pursued its purpose of dismantling Hamas, on the expense, many declare, of liberating its personal hostages. Given the vital response of Mr Netanyahu’s far-right allies to the settlement with Lebanon and the visceral attitudes held in direction of Hamas by a big majority of Israelis throughout the political divide, an finish to the combating in Gaza seems politically untenable for the Israeli prime minister for now.
Hamas seems in no actual rush to provide in, both. Regardless of raised hopes on a number of events {that a} ceasefire was shut at hand, the combating continues, though the group has additionally seen its management worn out, its talents largely crushed, and, most significantly, a land and folks it purportedly seeks to guide subjected to horrifying devastation.
“Give peace an opportunity,” went the outdated John Lennon and Yoko Ono music. In Gaza, neither Israel nor Hamas seems anyplace near doing so.
Carl Skadian, a former journalist and editor for 30 years, is Senior Affiliate Director on the Center East Institute, NUS.
