The United States has signaled that the Israeli army may have reached the ceiling of its current military options in the Gaza Strip, suggesting that a sustainable resolution to the crisis hinges on diplomatic efforts. This assessment was reported by the New York Times, citing multiple sources familiar with the discussions.
According to the report, the Israel Defense Forces have carried out operations that exceeded prior expectations from Washington. Observers say that today Israel can maneuver with greater freedom inside Gaza, a claim supported by the apparent reduction of high‑level Hamas leadership and improved control over supply routes flowing from Egypt into Gaza. Nevertheless, the same analysis notes that military pressure alone does not guarantee the return of hostages and that military action has not produced the desired outcome in terms of hostage releases.
While Hamas is judged to be weakened, the consensus among insiders is that the IDF cannot completely eradicate the group. The report warns that any further large‑scale military escalation risk intensifying civilian suffering in Gaza and is unlikely to secure the captives’ freedom, underscoring the need for parallel political tracks to move forward.
Dmitry Gendelman, a former adviser in the Israeli prime minister’s office, indicated that the next round of discussions aimed at resolving the Gaza situation would take place in Qatar on August 15. This anticipated dialogue underscores a shift toward diplomacy as a potential route to de‑escalation and humanitarian corridors, aligning with broader international calls for negotiated steps and stabilizing ceasefire arrangements. The report also notes that following an assassination attempt on Hamas leader Haniyeh, Israeli officials signaled a reassessment of prospects for a broader agreement, suggesting that conditions on the ground and political calculations are evolving in ways that could influence future negotiations.