In the besieged Gaza situation, the release of hostages by Israel and Hamas, followed by a four-day ceasefire, is a prudent step. The international community had to work for more than a month to mediate a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. There is a conflict here that needs to be handled carefully.
The West has long ignored the misery in Gaza, the Israeli occupation, and the crimes carried out by Israeli forces. The incident gained notice after Hamas launched its attack on October 7. The world was appalled by the massacre of innocent civilians, mostly women and children, even as the West stood by Israel, invoking the country's right to self-defense.
Both the United States and the United Kingdom did not press Israel to stop what it was doing. The West will probably continue to come under fire in the near future for supporting Israel and allowing what is seen to be genocide. Disconcertingly, this unwavering support and blind faith in an apartheid regime exposes flaws in US and British foreign policy as well as challenges to their continued supremacy in a world growing more divided.
The United States is cautious about challenges from China and other countries looking to lessen its influence, and it keeps a careful eye on the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. An expert claims that China wants to compete with the US anywhere it can. In spite of this, China has positioned itself as an international Middle East mediator and helped to normalize ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran.
A National Security Council spokesman stressed that the US has actively engaged with Middle Eastern nations, leading initiatives to improve the distribution of humanitarian aid. The spokesperson praised President Joe Biden's helpful role in mediating an agreement for the reopening of the Rafah gate and asked Israel to restore access to electricity and water in Gaza.