Can diplomacy defuse rising tension in the Middle East? | Inside Story

Mediators are hoping to kick-start ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas on Thursday.
The two sides have been mulling a US-backed proposal for over two months.
Indirect talks have not advanced substantively during that time and sticking points remain.
Meanwhile, there's no let-up in Israeli attacks on Gaza and fears of an all-out regional war involving Iran and its proxies have surged.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken postponed his trip to the Middle East but approved a $20bn arms sale to Israel.
What does all this mean for finalising a ceasefire in Gaza?

Guests:
Akbar Shahid Ahmed -- Senior diplomatic correspondent for HuffPost

Mouin Rabbani -- Non-resident fellow at the Center for Conflict and Humanitarian Studies

Alon Liel -- Former Director General and Spokesman of the Israeli Foreign Ministry

Subscribe to our channel http://bit.ly/AJSubscribe
Follow us on Twitter   / ajenglish  
Find us on Facebook   / aljazeera  
Check our website: https://www.aljazeera.com/
Check out our Instagram page:   / aljazeeraenglish  
Download AJE Mobile App: https://aje.io/AJEMobile

#WarOnGaza #GazaWar #GazaCeasefire #UnitedStates #Netanyahu #Israel #USIsraelRelations #USForeignPolicy #IsraelGazaWar #GazaBombardment #USMilitarySupportToIsrael #USArmsShipmentToIsrael #AlJazeeraEnglish