Picture 11th October central London, Met Police
Who won the peace in Gaza. Beyond the art of the deal to making history on the streets
The start of another ceasefire in Gaza is hugely welcome. Anything that stops the killing and perhaps allows in more food is a step forward.
Trump of course has claimed credit for it. For those unfamiliar with the book that has his name on the cover, the Art of the Deal (he didn’t write it) the interest is in doing the deal not the outcome or whether it ultimately works.
While Netanyahu and his far right and fascist gang remain in power in Tel Aviv the chances of a longer term peace rest on whether or not Trump has finally had enough of them and turns off the financial and arms taps.
Katy Balls the Times US correspondent has the following story (10th October)
Trump called Netanyahu to share what he thought was good news. However, Netanyahu suggested there was ‘nothing to celebrate’ leading Trump to say ‘I don’t know why you are always so fucking negative. This is a win. Take it’
Obviously this story is being spun by the US and it might be reflected that the most important thing in achieving a ceasefire has been the impact of global protests.
11th October sees the 32nd London march since October 7th 2023 in support of the Palestinians. Successive Tory and Labour Governments have tried to restrict and ban the marches but 500,000 marched little reported.
There is a particular resonance because from 1918 to 1948 the imperial power in Palestine was based in London.
If the ceasefire is to hold the marches will need to continue. The more pressure Trump finds himself under the more likely he is to at least try and discipline Netanyahu. That is very unlikely to mean the withdrawal of US backing.
Meanwhile Starmer’s reaction is to carry on selling arms to Israel and try to ‘crackdown’ on support for the Palestinians. One of many reasons why he is so unpopular
Leave a Reply