Al Jazeera’s senior political analyst Marwan Bishara highlights that Israel appears torn between two approaches. He emphasizes that on one side, Israeli leaders are recalling reservists and approving plans that point to a re-occupation of Gaza, including the displacement of people from north to south — a move he warns could pave the way for ethnic cleansing. On the other hand, Bishara notes that domestic pressure is pushing Israel toward securing the release of hostages and potentially pursuing a longer-term deal. He suggests that without stronger Arab pressure on Washington, Israel is more likely to pursue the first scenario, adding that while Qatari and Egyptian officials have lobbied Europe and the US for a ceasefire, broader Arab backing is urgently needed.
