The New Statesman: politics and culture Trump wins peace in the Middle East
10 snips
Oct 13, 2025 Katie Stallard, a policy expert on Middle East diplomacy, joins Ethan Croft, a New Statesman contributor, and Rachel Cunliffe, a political journalist, to analyze a major hostage return and ceasefire. They unpack the complexities of Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and the durability of this peace. The discussion shifts to the UK's behind-the-scenes role, highlighting Tony Blair’s influence and Jonathan Powell's key involvement. The panel also debates Donald Trump's contributions to the deal, with cautious optimism about the future stability of the region.
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Ceasefire Is Only Phase One
- The ceasefire and hostage returns mark a rare unequivocally good day but represent likely only phase one of a larger deal.
- Major outstanding issues include Hamas disarmament, an agreed multinational stabilization force, and a durable political settlement.
Armed Control Persists In Gaza
- Reporting shows Hamas militants fighting rival factions, suggesting they are consolidating control rather than disarming.
- The Israeli military still controls around half of Gaza with no timetable for full withdrawal.
Power Dynamic Shifted With Trump
- Trump succeeded partly by altering the power dynamic with Netanyahu and enforcing demands that Biden struggled to deliver.
- That willingness to exert pressure helped create diplomatic space for the deal.
