This weekend saw the abrupt end of what was one of the few modestly optimistic phases of Israel’s nearly two-year-long war on Gaza.
Barely a week ago, Qatari and Egyptian mediators reported that a tentative deal might be finalised between Israel and Hamas, which would involve the release of half the remaining Israeli hostages and see an initial 60-day ceasefire established.
Hamas was seriously interested in that proposal, but Israel less so, with sources in Tel Aviv indicating that a decision would be forthcoming by Friday.
