Efforts to end the relentless siege of Gaza have been set back by the abrupt end to peace talks in Qatar. Both the United States and Israel have withdrawn their negotiating teams, accusing Hamas of a “lack of desire to reach a ceasefire”. US President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff says it would appear Hamas never wanted a deal: “While the mediators have made a great effort, Hamas does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good faith. We will now consider alternative options to bring the hostages home and try to create a more stable environment for the people in Gaza.”

The disappointing development coincides with mounting fears of a widespread famine in Gaza and a historic decision by France to formally recognise a Palestinian state. French President Emmanuel Macron says there is no alternative for the sake of security of the Middle East: “True to its historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognise the State of Palestine.” What will these developments mean for the conflict in Gaza and the broader security of the Middle East? The failure to reach a truce means there is no end in sight to the Israeli siege of Gaza which has devastated the territory for more than 21 months. Amid mounting fears of mass starvation, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says Gaza is in the grip of a “humanitarian catastrophe”.

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He is urging Israel to comply immediately with its obligations under international law: “Israel’s denial of aid and the killing of civilians, including children, seeking access to water and food cannot be defended or........

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