After numerous discussions, a shaky ceasefire is now in place after weeks of negotiations over a humanitarian break. The journey has been extensive due to several factors. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is alleged to prefer an ongoing war as a way to sidetrack his domestic political and legal troubles. He also claims a desire to eradicate Hamas, an almost impossible task, which further complicates the situation. On the other hand, Hamas aims to achieve an endless ceasefire to appear victorious, despite the heavy toll it may have. They also need to keep their allies ready and motivated, creating anti-diplomacy practices such as disinformation and propaganda. Their search for a ceasefire also seemingly conflicts with their desire to promote escalation through rhetoric.
Israel, on the other hand, has launched anti-diplomacy strategies, including attacks on those advocating peace and mediation, often through disinformation and propaganda. An example of this is the edited video posted by Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs that depicts an Israeli soldier navigating a Hamas tunnel near al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza. The video references Qatar multiple times and aims to discredit Qatar’s role in mediating peace and pressure its efforts. Similarly, United Nations Special Rapporteur for the Occupied Palestinian Territories Francesca Albanese has also been the target of anti-diplomacy campaigns due to her advocacy for peace.
Meanwhile, Hamas is also engaging in anti-diplomacy, calling for escalation just before the ceasefire went into effect. The group fears that the truce may lead to a lack of support from its allies and is keen on maintaining pressure against Israel. This demonstrates the fragile nature of the ceasefire agreement and suggests that the conflict is far from over, as war by means other than direct bombing continues.