Ceasefire Talks: The Biannual Performance Art
Gaza ceasefire talks are slated to begin Monday, with Donald Trump even weighing in, calling for a 'deal.' This annual farce—often coinciding with escalating Israeli military operations—serves primarily to project an image of international concern while the reality on the ground remains unchanged. Remember the 'ceasefire' talks mid-2014, when the ground invasion was already underway? Or the
'negotiations' in 2021 that followed over 250 Palestinian deaths? These 'talks' appear less about stopping the violence and more about managing public perception after the latest round of destruction. While 'diplomacy' plays out, the U.S. continues to greenlight weaponry. Just last week, President Biden approved a new $1.7 billion arms package to Israel, according to a recent State Department
notice. One might wonder who benefits from perpetual conflict when the arms industry, a major donor to political campaigns, posts record profits. It's a miracle how 'peace talks' always seem to coincide with another surge in defense contracts.