The logic of force has officially triumphed over the pursuit of peace. Israel’s strike on Hamas negotiators in Doha demonstrates a clear prioritization of military objectives over the last remaining diplomatic channel. This act has effectively killed the peace process, locking the Gaza conflict into a trajectory of continued warfare.
The Doha talks, backed by the U.S., were the final, tenuous hope for a negotiated ceasefire. They were a recognition that a political solution was likely necessary for any sustainable quiet. The strike is a bold and violent statement against that recognition, signaling a commitment to achieving goals through military might, no matter the diplomatic cost.
The message to Hamas is stark and uncompromising: there is no table to negotiate at. The only choice is between surrender and annihilation. This hardline stance, while intended to force a quick end, is just as likely to provoke a more determined and desperate fight, ensuring a longer war and more civilian suffering.
With the diplomatic track now in ruins and the Qatari mediator humiliated, the conflict is set on a perilous course with no off-ramps. The strike has deliberately removed the “negotiate” option, leaving both sides with only the “fight” option. The door to peace has been sealed shut, with no key in sight.