Tensions are rising around the increasingly complex and fluid situation in the Middle East. The United States has further opted to withdraw its consultation support team from the Gaza ceasefire negotiations. This decision to act comes in the wake of ongoing violence surrounding Syria and following a growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Speaking on Thursday, a U.S. State Department spokesman confirmed the decision was based on Hamas’s recent replies. These replies have only deepened skepticism around the bloc’s commitment to a ceasefire.
Steve Witkoff, the U.S. Middle East envoy, said that the team is returning home for consultations. He summarized their findings as an exposing appalling good faith vacuum on the part of Hamas. He added, although we have had an extraordinary effort from paid mediators, it seems Hamas is not operating in a unified or coordinated way.
“We have decided to bring our team home from Doha for consultations after the latest response from Hamas, which clearly shows a lack of desire to reach a ceasefire in Gaza. While the mediators have made a great effort, Hamas does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good faith.” – Steve Witkoff
The Israeli Prime Minister’s office expressed gratitude to mediators for their contributions, indicating that negotiations were returning home for further discussions. Even with the positive signs, questions linger about whether it could all come together quickly and easily. According to recent press accounts, major issues remain on both sides. These gaps are most troubling with regard to the withdrawal of Israeli military forces during any ceasefire.
An explosion around the site killed at least six and injured several dozen. Simultaneously, a string of explosions shook a munitions stockpile in northwestern Syria. These suicide bombings resulted in a variety of casualties, including at least 12 killed and over 100 wounded. These recent events highlight the rapidly changing security realities in the region.
The crisis in Gaza has attracted growing international criticism, particularly regarding the humanitarian plight of the over two million Palestinians living there. Aid organizations have been warning us of a coming mass starvation crisis. UNRWA frontline health workers are living on less than a dollar a day.
“Suffering and starvation in Gaza is unspeakable and indefensible.” – Keir Starmer
Philippe Lazzarini, the head of UNRWA, warned about the life-threatening hardships that health workers are facing. These days, some are barely able to withstand one meagre meal a day. He described the situation as deeply troubling, stating that “people in Gaza are neither dead nor alive, they are walking corpses.”
Amid ongoing tensions, women trying to claim assistance have described troubling experiences at the hands of U.S. contractors overseeing aid flow. After being ordered to return and retrieve emergency supplies, they were confronted with tear gas and pepper spray.
“The Americans said ‘go, go,’ and then said no, get back. They sprayed us with pepper spray so we went away. Five minutes later they shot tear gas at us… is this American humanitarian aid?” – Mervat al-Sakani
The Hostages Families Forum, which represents families of hostages held by Hamas, is deeply worried. They are concerned and exasperated that Israel would choose to withdraw its mediation team immediately after Hamas’ fourth submission of a revised offer on a ceasefire and hostage release arrangement. They underscored that every day that goes by threatens the hostages’ health and increases the risk of death and irreversible conditions.
“Each day that passes endangers the hostages chances of recovery and risks losing the ability to locate the fallen or gain vital intelligence about them.” – The Hostages Families Forum
Meanwhile, back in Washington, diplomatic efforts to free hostages are still under egregious attack. Days before yesterday’s announcement, we learned from the U.S. State Department that it would not participate in another upcoming conference intended to promote a two-state solution. That makes this decision a new wrinkle in an already convoluted diplomatic environment.
Of course, international leaders are responding to the crisis. French President Emmanuel Macron will announce the recognition of Palestine as a state during the opening of the United Nations General Assembly this September. He insisted that there is “no plan b,” calling for an end to the conflict and immediate action to ease humanitarian suffering in Gaza.
“The urgent need today is to end the war in Gaza and to rescue the civilian population. Peace is possible.” – Emmanuel Macron
It was British opposition leader Keir Starmer declaring that Israel must take a different path, and fast. He called for aid to be allowed into Gaza immediately. As the humanitarian situation further worsens, multiple international actors from inside and outside of Myanmar have called for a pressing response.
“This deepening crisis is affecting everyone, including those trying to save lives in the war-torn enclave.” – Philippe Lazzarini
As stakeholders continue to sort through this complex and changing situation, one thing is certain—great challenges still await. Negotiations are beset by challenges, and efforts at humanitarian relief are drowning in a tide of violence and political turmoil.