Gaza in the past week from Gideon’s chariots to global pressure on Netanyahu
Last week concluded with heightened speculation about a potential Gaza ceasefire, the lifting of the blockade, and increased humanitarian aid—coinciding with Trump’s regional tour of the southern Persian Gulf and Steve Witkoff’s meetings in doha with Qatari, Israeli, and Palestinian officials.Concurrently, Israeli officials vowed to execute the controversial “Gideon’s Chariot” plan: occupying Gaza, forcibly displacing civilians, and conscripting remaining residents into labor camps. Opposition figures and security chiefs like Shin Bet argue that prolonging the war solely benefits Netanyahu and his inner circle. For now, Netanyahu appears to have yielded to pressure—despite opposition from Ben Gvir—by permitting humanitarian aid into Gaza.
The war’s protracted nature has prompted leaders from 28 countries—including Europe’s “Troika”—to warn Israel of consequences if hostilities continue while threatening new sanctions. Senior Axios journalist Barak Ravid claims key negotiations are not happening in Doha but through Witkoff’s talks with Palestinian-American businessman Bashar Bahbah (Trump’s top Palestinian ally), who oversees Hamas’ direct communication channel with Washington.
on May 14–15 (during Trump’s visit),Israel launched its most intense attacks on Gaza in a month—killing 136 peopel and shelling homes/tents. Hamas condemned these strikes as undermining ceasefire efforts by mediators; it later released American-Israeli captive Aiden Alexander as a “goodwill gesture.” Hebrew newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported both sides remain entrenched in Doha talks without concessions.While Israel believes escalating air strikes will pressure Hamas at negotiations affected families called it a “political war,” threatening unrest if Netanyahu sabotages diplomacy further.
Citing informed sources: Steve Witkoff (trump’s Middle East envoy) proposed exchanging prisoners for a 1–1.5-month truce but failed to break Doha deadlock; no deal exists yet as Hamas demands permanent hostilities cessation. Axios reports Qataris are pessimistic about israeli negotiators while Channel 12 claims Israel has placed responsibility on Hamas by demanding acceptance of Witkoff’s two-month conditional truce or facing ground invasion guarantees backed publicly by Washington). Simultaneously occurring Channel 15 noted Netanyahu granted his team unprecedented authority for compromises earlier this week.
A new Israeli proposal resembles Witkoff’s plan: releasing ten live prisoners/half remains within one day post-agreement alongside humanitarian aid delivery/partial withdrawal except Philadelphia Corridor/Netsarim axis areas). In response Hamas demanded freeing 300 Palestinians plus IDF retreat east Salah al-Din Road north-south artery exchange seven-nine captives over same period Qatari PM Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani declared talks stalemated condemning post-Aiden escalation aggressive irresponsible behavior
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The assassination Mohammed Sanwar brother slain leader Yahya Sanwar marked another critical growth confirmed days later Defense Minister Yoav Gallant Hebrew media now questions succession dynamics inside Gaza where commander Izz al-Din Hadid likely strongest figure maintains ties Doha-based Khalil al-Hayya
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The deepening humanitarian crisis dominated regional/international discourse Haaretz warned famine could strike within ten days due closed crossings/blocked aid despite Foreign Ministry claiming US-contracted distribution woudl start May24 hardliners like Itamar Ben-Gvir push annexation rhetoric analysts say Netanyahu faces unfeasible choices defying Western allies risks political collapse while alienating far-right necessitates unlikely Lapid-Gantz alliance tactical maneuvering aims prevent cabinet fall global isolation amid sanction threats exposing precarious position
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