The Gaza conflict has crossed the point of no return. An Israeli strike on Hamas negotiators in Doha has cemented a military-only path forward, extinguishing the last embers of hope for a diplomatic resolution. The targeting of dialogue facilitators is a clear and irreversible statement that negotiation is no longer part of Israel’s strategy.
Previous diplomatic efforts had unraveled, but the U.S.-backed Doha channel was the final opportunity to chart a different course. It was a tacit admission that a political settlement was essential for any lasting peace. The strike represents a fundamental and violent departure from that view, prioritizing a decisive battlefield outcome above all else.
The message to Hamas is one of finality: surrender unconditionally or be systematically destroyed. By removing the option of a negotiated settlement, Israel is attempting to force the issue. However, this approach risks creating a cornered and desperate adversary, more determined than ever to fight on, which will only deepen the crisis for the civilian population.
The diplomatic fallout has been swift and severe. The mediation process led by Qatar is in shambles, and the international community has lost its primary lever for de-escalation. The conflict is now trapped in a dangerous feedback loop of violence. The strike did not just close a door; it has demolished the very possibility of one, ensuring the war will grind on.