Bloomberg Businessweek World Leaders Seek Peace in Gaza During UN General Assembly
Sep 23, 2025
Mona Yacoubian, Director at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, sheds light on the complex dynamics of the Gaza conflict amidst UN General Assembly discussions. She argues that meaningful ceasefire prospects remain bleak and discusses the isolating effects of Palestine's recognition on Israel. Delving into U.S. leverage, she highlights the political obstacles impeding peace efforts and warns of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Yacoubian emphasizes the urgent need for diplomatic intervention to halt the violence and address devastating reconstruction challenges.
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State Recognition Is Largely Symbolic
- Recognition of Palestine is largely symbolic and does not change conditions on the ground in Gaza.
- Mona Yacoubian notes Israel and the U.S. buy-in is necessary for any tangible outcome.
U.S. Leverage Determines Pressure Impact
- U.S. leverage is the decisive factor for pressuring Israel on policy changes.
- Mona Yacoubian says EU measures lack weight without U.S. pressure and arms-sale restraint.
Both Sides Hold The Keys To A Ceasefire
- Both Hamas and Israel hold agency in moving toward or away from ceasefire negotiations.
- Mona Yacoubian notes Hamas has proposed limited ceasefires but Israeli political leadership blocks broader progress.