On Monday spirits were lifted in Gaza when Hamas issued a statement declaring it would accept the terms of a ceasefire deal brokered by Egypt and Qatar. But joy was short-lived.
Israel quickly announced the deal did not go far enough towards releasing the hostages captured on October 7th.
At the same time, Israeli defence forces began their takeover of a crucial border crossing between Egypt and Gaza.
So what now? What will it take for Israeli prime minister Binjamin Netanyahu, a man under pressure at home and abroad, to agree to a ceasefire and call off the invasion of Rafah, a city of last resort for 1.4 million displaced Gazans?
Mark Weiss is a contributor to The Irish Times based in Jerusalem. He explains how this crucial week in the seven-month long conflict unfolded and how domestic political considerations have trumped international pressure in Netanyahu’s decision-making so far.
Presented by Bernice Harrison. Produced by Declan Conlon.
