The Middle East’s bizarre waiting game: ceasefire or Armageddon?

For months the Biden administration, along with Egypt and Qatar, which speak directly to Hamas, has been trying to push the recalcitrant sides towards a ceasefire agreement. On August 16th they presented a “bridging proposal.” This is basically a more detailed version of a framework for a deal proposed by Israel in May, which has yet to be ratified by the Israeli cabinet. It envisages first a six-week halt in the fighting in Gaza, during which some Israeli hostages would be released in return for a much larger number of Palestinian prisoners. During the truce further talks would be held about a full ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. There is also a third stage which includes plans for rebuilding the devastated enclave, but few are thinking that far ahead.