GAZA

October 7th was a day when the civilized world stood with Israel. The aging American president stood next to Netanjahu to prove to all that America remained the ultimate ally in the darkest hour.

Today, all this is history and the last hostages, if alive, face a tragic end. Netanjahu's Israel has become a nightmare and an international pariah. Hamas and its nihilistic agenda is mortally wounded but not crushed, as it should.

Israel is now a society divided. There was always a split between progressive/secular jews and the religious/expansionist camps. The ad hoc democratic model was still unique in the Middle East and its technological/military superiority was the envy of the region. The political/cultural debate flourished.

All this looks as having been overtaken by a bigotted rise, fed by an inward-looking attitude and a controverial territorial mindset. The rightful military intervention against Hamas became a murderous incursion against the Palestinians, who suffered from the Hamas fury before being murdered in an indiscriminate way by Netanjahu's hordes today.

The debate around the recognition of a Palestine state is complicated. It might be premature, not out of principle, but out of feasability and cause and effect now.

One possible way out would be the granting of a confederate status, limited in time, for Palestine, whereby the Palestinian Authority should have well-defined responsibilities in and over Gaza with immediate effect. After perhaps five years independence could be granted, in full cooperation with Israel who would have to face elections meanwhile, finally.

Marwan Barghouti should be freed and the Palestinian Authority needs to do its own house cleaning. Israel can benefit then from the full implementation of the Abraham Accords and return to its more democratic ways. The EU should get more involved, Trump's America less. It is time for the diplomats to take over from Trump's hotel managers.

Isolation adds to Gaza's tragedy. The Arabs are not going to ever open their borders. Only the EU can return to the Oslo/MENA  spirit. The Arab League can compensate in financial/logistical support. For what is left of Hamas, only hell will do.

Remenber Golda Meir and Sadat? Those were the days...