The ceasefire in Gaza has collapsed following Israeli airstrikes after failed negotiations with Hamas, resulting in high casualties. Concurrently, the U.S. has launched airstrikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen to deter threats and apply pressure on Iran amidst a complex backdrop of regional tensions, as Trump’s strategies for peace remain contentious.
Recently, international focus shifted from Ukraine to the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, specifically Gaza. Following failed negotiations with Hamas, Israel ceased humanitarian aid to Gaza and executed extensive airstrikes, resulting in over 400 fatalities. This marks a collapse of a ceasefire that had paused hostilities and indicates the dire state of humanitarian conditions in the region.
The Israeli airstrikes effectively end a two-month ceasefire, with the first phase concluding on March 1 after a hostage exchange between Hamas and Israel. Prime Minister Netanyahu, under pressure from right-wing factions, is unlikely to accept a full withdrawal from Gaza. Continued engagement from both sides reveals an impasse, with Hamas seeking to retain hostages and Israel adamant about military operations.
Currently, there are no long-term plans for Gaza. Netanyahu’s immediate concern is the return of hostages to navigate his political challenges. Some factions envision a depopulated Gaza under Israeli control, but such plans remain speculative amid ongoing violence. Conversely, a shift in focus also escalates military actions in the West Bank, where Israel aims to solidify control through settlements.
Donald Trump, who initially facilitated the ceasefire, may respond with criticism towards Hamas for the collapse of peace negotiations. Despite the dismantling of the ceasefire, his portrayal as a peacemaker will continue, although he may also leverage military actions to bolster his image domestically.
In Yemen, the U.S. launched airstrikes against Iran-backed Houthi rebels in response to threats to shipping routes in the Red Sea. This move is perceived as a dual strategy to pressure Iran ahead of nuclear negotiations and provide support to Israel amid its conflict in Gaza. The airstrikes aim to deter future Houthi attacks, while also rallying domestic support for Trump amidst other political issues.
Iran’s muted response to the U.S. strikes can be attributed to its current socioeconomic struggles. Facing internal unrest, economic hardships, and pressure from hardliners, Iranian leadership is unlikely to provoke further conflict despite external military actions. The precarious situation emphasizes Iran’s weakened state and its diminished regional influence.
As for the new nuclear deal with Iran, current U.S. strategies, which rely heavily on military threats, counterproductive to diplomatic negotiations. The hardline stance from Iran’s leadership, influenced by recent American belligerence, limits the possibility of fruitful discussions. Iran seeks a cautious approach based on mutual confidence, contrasting sharply with U.S. tactics based on intimidation and military power.
The collapse of the Gaza ceasefire has escalated hostilities, with Israel unable to secure a full plan for Gaza amid ongoing violence and humanitarian crises. Trump’s military actions in Yemen signify broader geopolitical tensions with Iran, further complicating prospects for a new nuclear deal. Iran’s weakened yet resilient stance suggests that diplomatic avenues remain strained under current U.S. strategies, emphasizing the need for a more measured approach to foster meaningful negotiations.
Original Source: theconversation.com
