On the recent episode of Breaking Points, Trita Parsi, vice president of the Quincy Institute, provided a critical analysis of the current Gaza ceasefire, emphasizing its fragility and the broader geopolitical implications.
Parsi’s assessment underscores that while the ceasefire may appear to be an important step, it is far from resolving the core issues fueling the ongoing conflict.
Parsi pointed out that the recent agreement—hailed by some as a breakthrough—contains significant flaws. He explained that the deal, which was brokered under intense diplomacy, primarily facilitates a temporary pause while negotiations continue behind the scenes.
However, he warned that Israel’s repeated breaches of earlier ceasefires cast doubt on whether this agreement will hold. “Every time there is supposed to be a ceasefire, Israel intensifies its attacks,” Parsi said, quoting reports that Israeli forces have continued targeting Palestinian civilians, even amid negotiations.
He further explained that Israel’s broader strategy involves using ceasefires only as tactical pauses. “The real goal for Netanyahu is to prolong the occupation and eventually annex Gaza,” Parsi stated.
He emphasized that Israel has no intention of a full withdrawal and is instead looking to consolidate control and prepare for future offensives, using the ceasefire as a temporary cover.
Parsi also highlighted that U.S. pressure has been a decisive factor. He pointed out that the Trump administration had, at one point, applied sustained diplomatic pressure—something that is missing now.
Without this pressure, he warned, the cycle of violence is likely to continue. “The key to long-term peace is for the U.S. to maintain pressure on Israel and push for lasting solutions, including the recognition of Palestinian statehood,” he said.
He also touched on the risk of an Israeli instigated escalation, noting Netanyahu’s historical pattern of craving conflict to justify domestic political needs and his broader ambition to annex Palestinian land.
“Netanyahu’s long-term plan is to divert global attention from his territorial ambitions in the West Bank and move towards further land grabs,” Parsi explained.
Finally, Parsi warned that the international community’s recognition of Palestinian statehood, while symbolically significant, must be followed by concrete action. “Recognition alone isn’t enough,” he concluded.
“It must be backed by efforts to enforce international law and accountability to truly change the balance of power.”
This episode underscores that a ceasefire, especially one negotiated under the shadow of ongoing Israeli breaches, is only a fragile first step. Without sustained diplomatic pressure and a fundamental shift in regional and U.S. policy, the cycle of violence risks continuing, and hopes for a durable peace in Gaza remain distant.
