Introduction
The recent Israeli airstrike in Doha, Qatar, targeting Hamas negotiators has not only resulted in individual casualties but has significantly undermined the credibility of the United States. This article explores how Israel’s unchecked actions, supported by the U.S., have eroded trust and hampered peace efforts in the Middle East.
Background on Israel’s Impunity
For decades, Israel has enjoyed impunity for its violations of international law and norms. This unwavering support, including billions in annual U.S. aid, has emboldened Israel to act with disregard for consequences.
Israeli Celebration of the Attack
Following the airstrike, Israel openly celebrated the attack, with even opposition leader Yair Lapid praising Israeli security forces for their actions. This unabashed support has further diminished U.S. standing in the region.
Historical Precedents of Israeli Violence
The attack in Doha echoes past instances of Israeli violence against peace mediators, such as the assassination of Folke Bernadotte by extremist Jewish groups in 1948. These actions have consistently undermined peace efforts and damaged international perceptions of Israel.
U.S. Erosion of Influence
The U.S., traditionally a key mediator in the Middle East, has seen its influence wane due to its unwavering support for Israel. Successive administrations, both under Joe Biden and Donald Trump, have shielded Israel from accountability for attacks on hospitals, journalists, and humanitarian workers in Gaza.
Biased U.S. Proposals for Ceasefire
The recently discarded U.S. ceasefire proposal favored Israel, demanding the release of all remaining Israeli hostages in exchange for U.S. pressure on Israel to withdraw from Gaza and end the war. This one-sided approach further alienated Palestinians and demonstrated the U.S.’s lack of genuine commitment to a fair resolution.
Consequences for Peace Efforts
Israel’s history of assassinating Hamas leaders has only fueled resistance, with more radical figures often taking their place. The killing of Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh in 2024, in violation of Iran’s sovereignty, exemplifies this pattern.
Loss of Trust and Future Prospects
The attack on Hamas negotiators in Doha has shattered any remaining trust between Israel and Palestine, jeopardizing future peace agreements. With Qatar threatening to withdraw as a mediator, the path to reconciliation appears increasingly obstructed.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main issue discussed in this article? The erosion of U.S. credibility due to Israel’s unchecked actions and their impact on Middle East peace efforts.
- Why has Israel’s impunity damaged U.S. standing in the region? Israel’s disregard for international law and norms, coupled with unwavering U.S. support, has led to a loss of trust and diminished U.S. influence in the Middle East.
- How have past instances of Israeli violence affected peace efforts? Historical examples, such as the assassination of Folke Bernadotte, have consistently undermined peace efforts and harmed international perceptions of Israel.
- What are the consequences of the biased U.S. ceasefire proposal? The one-sided proposal alienated Palestinians and demonstrated the U.S.’s lack of commitment to a fair resolution, further jeopardizing peace efforts.
- How has the recent attack in Doha impacted trust and future prospects for peace? The attack has shattered any remaining trust between Israel and Palestine, obstructing the path to reconciliation and jeopardizing future peace agreements.
Author Information
Daoud Kuttab, former professor of journalism at Princeton University, is the author of “State of Palestine NOW: Practical and Logical Arguments for the Best Way to Bring Peace to the Middle East.”
Copyright: Project Syndicate, 1995 – 2025
www.project-syndicate.org
