Israel Escalates Gaza War as Global Pressure Mounts and Ceasefire Talks Stall

Watan-The Israeli occupation army continues its war of extermination on the besieged Gaza Strip, while political negotiations to return to a ceasefire agreement or reach a new prisoner exchange deal remain stalled. This impasse is largely due to the obstinacy of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who insists on negotiating “under fire,” as he put it.

In this context, Netanyahu is reportedly considering withdrawing the Israeli negotiating delegation currently in Doha on Tuesday if no progress is made in the indirect talks with Hamas via mediators. According to Israel’s public broadcaster KAN, a small task force may remain in Doha to continue discussions in place of the full delegation.

Commenting on the talks, Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani stated on Tuesday that “the catastrophe in Gaza continues, and every chance at de-escalation is unfortunately being undermined.” He added that Israel’s aggressive behavior “undermines every possible opportunity for peace.”

The military escalation comes amid growing international pressure on Israel to end its aggression in Gaza. On Monday, the French President, along with the British and Canadian Prime Ministers, warned that they would not remain “idle” in the face of Netanyahu’s “shameful actions” in Gaza. They hinted at taking “concrete measures” if Israel fails to halt its military operation and allow humanitarian aid into the Strip.

In a joint statement, Emmanuel Macron, Keir Starmer, and Mark Carney said: “We are determined to recognize a Palestinian state as part of a two-state solution, and we are ready to work with others to achieve that goal,” referencing a UN conference planned for June to build global consensus. They strongly opposed the expansion of Israeli military operations in Gaza and described the humanitarian suffering in the territory—under total Israeli blockade for nearly three months—as “unbearable,” with food, medicine, and other supplies blocked from entry.

Netanyahu Clashes with Western Leaders as U.S. Signals Discomfort Over Gaza Offensive

Netanyahu, in turn, lashed out at the leaders of Britain, Canada, and France for urging Tel Aviv to halt the genocide in Gaza and threatening “concrete steps” against it. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Netanyahu claimed that these leaders were “rewarding” the October 7 Hamas attack by demanding an end to what he called Israel’s “defensive existential war” and by advocating for the establishment of a Palestinian state. He argued such moves would “invite more atrocities of this kind.”

Meanwhile, the U.S. news site Axios reported on Monday that U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance canceled a planned visit to Israel scheduled for Tuesday due to the expansion of Israel’s military operations in Gaza, according to a senior American official. The official said Vance made the decision because he did not want his visit to appear as an endorsement of Israel’s massive operation in Gaza at a time when the U.S. is pushing for a ceasefire and hostage exchange deal.

Although Axios noted that Vance cited “logistical reasons” for canceling, the outlet emphasized that the decision sheds light on Washington’s unease with Israel’s current strategy in Gaza.