What's happened
As of August 18, 2024, negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza remain unresolved, with U.S. officials now viewing Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu as the main obstacle. Despite significant military gains against Hamas, the return of hostages can only be achieved through diplomatic efforts.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Julian E. Barnes in the New York Times, U.S. officials have shifted their focus from Hamas to Netanyahu as the main obstacle in negotiations. He notes that while Hamas has made concessions, the Israeli government remains resistant to a ceasefire. In contrast, Helene Cooper highlights that Israel's military operations have significantly weakened Hamas but emphasizes that the return of hostages can only be achieved through negotiations, not force. This sentiment is echoed by Natasha Frost, who points out that ongoing bombings are increasing civilian risks without further diminishing Hamas's capabilities. The Times of Israel adds a political dimension, with far-right officials like Itamar Ben Gvir opposing negotiations, framing them as a surrender to terrorism. This divergence in perspectives illustrates the complex interplay of military strategy and political ideology in the ongoing conflict.
How we got here
The conflict escalated after Hamas's attacks on October 7, 2023, leading to a prolonged military response from Israel. U.S. officials have been mediating talks for a ceasefire and hostage negotiations since July, but progress has stalled.
Common question
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What are the main obstacles to peace in the Gaza conflict?
The ongoing Gaza conflict has seen numerous attempts at ceasefire negotiations, yet peace remains elusive. As of August 2024, U.S. officials have identified key players and issues that complicate the path to resolution. Understanding these dynamics can shed light on why a lasting peace agreement is so difficult to achieve.
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What is the US's current stance on the Gaza conflict?
As the Gaza conflict continues to escalate, many are wondering about the role of the United States in the ongoing negotiations. With recent developments indicating a shift in focus from Hamas to Israeli leadership, understanding the US's position is crucial for grasping the complexities of the situation. Below are some frequently asked questions that delve deeper into the US's involvement in Middle Eastern politics.
More on these topics
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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The Gaza Strip, or simply Gaza, is a self-governing Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, that borders Egypt on the southwest for 11 kilometers and Israel on the east and north along a 51 km border.
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Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist militant organization. It has a social service wing, Dawah, and a military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.
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Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. is an American politician who is the 46th and current president of the United States. A member of the Democratic Party, he served as the 47th vice president from 2009 to 2017 and represented Delaware in the United States Senate
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Benjamin Netanyahu is an Israeli politician serving as Prime Minister of Israel since 2009, and previously from 1996 to 1999. Netanyahu is also the Chairman of the Likud – National Liberal Movement.