With Israel unleashing an increasing number of missiles into Gaza, Hamas still holding more than 200 hostages, and rising violence in the West Bank, it can be hard to imagine how the conflict in the region could get much worse. But to many seasoned watchers of the Middle East, including the Guardian’s international security correspondent Jason Burke, the possibility that the conflict could slide into all-out war is worrying.
From the outside, the signs do not look good. Iran-backed Hezbollah is exchanging fire with Israel over the Lebanese border, and there are fears an Israeli ground invasion into Gaza might send the situation spiralling out of control. Meanwhile, the deaths in Gaza have led to protests and growing anger in neighbouring countries such as Egypt and Jordan, which had normalised relations with Israel.
But, as Michael Safi hears, there are reasons to be hopeful that a full-blown war can be avoided. The rhetoric coming from national leaders may be strong but behind the scenes presidents, prime ministers and diplomats are desperately working to de-escalate the hostilities. Will their entreaties for caution and calm be heeded?
Photograph: Gil Cohen-Magen/AFP/Getty Images
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