With or without Washington? Netanyahu vows to keep on fighting in Gaza

The head of Israel’s most right-wing government ever, helped in his brinkmanship by Hamas itself, has now piled on the demands for a hostage-prisoner exchange deal after nearly two weeks of truce talks.

Has Qatar been as ineffective with the Palestinian militants as the United States has been with Netanyahu? Do hardliners always win over moderates in the Middle East?

With Israeli guns now bearing down on Gaza’s southernmost city, Rafah, and US military and civilian aid caught up in the election year gridlock of Capitol Hill, who will break the impasse? Does a breakthrough have to go through Washington?

Produced by Charles Wente, Rebecca Gnignati and Imen Mellaz.

Daily newsletterReceive essential international news every morning

Take international news everywhere with you! Download the France 24 app