Try GOLD - Free
No ceasefire can survive in this catalogue of paradoxes
The Independent
|July 14, 2025
Could there be a temporary Gaza ceasefire and partial hostage deal in the next days or weeks? Yes.
Would it lead to the end of the war and a “postwar Gaza” structure? No. Why? For a multitude of reasons, but the overarching and overriding one is that Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu does not want to end the war.
He is infatuated with his “wartime leader” status, convinced that he is drastically remodelling the Middle East geopolitical landscape in Gaza, Iran and elsewhere. And for his political interests and expediency, he needs to perpetuate a war and emergency atmosphere.
The New York Times Magazine just published a comprehensive and detailed account of how Netanyahu has been prolonging the war since early 2024. By all indications, this policy trajectory continues and applies to both Gaza and to a future, second strike against Iran, as Netanyahu himself attested during his visit to Washington last week.
How does this affect the chances of a ceasefire? The endless talk and abundant speculation of an imminent Gaza ceasefire has become tragically tedious and predictable, with each day bringing a combination of reasons why a deal is just around the corner and the caveat that it won’t last.
This story is from the July 14, 2025 edition of The Independent.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Independent
The Independent
Ruthless England dismantle South Africa in cup opener
Spinner Linsey Smith set the tone in the 10-wicket victory
2 mins
October 04, 2025
The Independent
Ex-nurse hoping to help the Church's medicine go down
While most in the CofE welcome Sarah Mullally breaking its stained-glass ceiling, her appointment may not sit so well with conservative congregations, says Catherine Pepinster
3 mins
October 04, 2025
The Independent
DEI is falling out of fashion
Burberry has sacked its head of inclusion to save money, and it could be the start of a hot new trend
4 mins
October 04, 2025
The Independent
After Crumpsall, can Britain ever feel safe for Jews again?
Crumpsall, of all places.
3 mins
October 04, 2025
The Independent
Why ditching climate change act would damage our nation
You have to hand it to Kemi Badenoch. She has united an extraordinary coalition today.
2 mins
October 04, 2025
The Independent
Tuchel defends leaving out England stars from squad
Thomas Tuchel raised eyebrows by not recalling some of England's biggest individual stars, instead keeping faith with the squad that impressed against Serbia last month (PA)
4 mins
October 04, 2025
The Independent
Church chooses first female Archbishop of Canterbury
Dame Sarah Mullally has told of her joy in making history as the first woman to be named Archbishop of Canterbury while paying tribute to those who paved the way for the moment.
3 mins
October 04, 2025
The Independent
The Tories must become the party of business again
At major sports matches, there is the main event, then sometimes they invite their reserve or junior sides to compete.
4 mins
October 04, 2025
The Independent
Are TV chefs out of season?
Celebrity cooks and primetime television go together like bacon and eggs, so why is food programming down 40%? Andrew Turvil believes social media is where it's all cooking
5 mins
October 04, 2025
The Independent
HOLLYWOOD'S AI-LIST
The creation of artificial intelligence 'actor' Tilly Norwood is a studio exec's dream and an anti-art abomination, but how worried should real thespians be?
3 mins
October 04, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size