Will Lebanon Deal Break Gaza Deadlock? Experts Doubt It
As tensions continue to escalate in the Gaza Strip, with near-daily clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli forces, there is a glimmer of hope that a potential breakthrough in the region could come from an unexpected source – Lebanon.
Recently, reports have emerged that Lebanon is considering a deal to allow the transportation of natural gas from Cyprus to Gaza through its territory. This move could potentially provide much-needed relief to the beleaguered Gaza Strip, which has been under a crippling blockade by Israel for over a decade.
The proposed deal would involve the construction of a pipeline that would transport natural gas from Cyprus to Lebanon, and then onto Gaza. This could not only provide Gaza with a much-needed source of energy, but also potentially foster economic development in the region.
However, experts are skeptical that this deal could actually break the deadlock in Gaza. The Israeli government has long been wary of any deals that could potentially strengthen Hamas, the militant group that controls the Gaza Strip. Israel has also expressed concerns about the security implications of such a pipeline, given the ongoing conflict in the region.
Furthermore, the political situation in Lebanon is also complicated, with deep divisions between different factions and ongoing tensions with Israel. It remains to be seen whether Lebanon would be willing and able to follow through on such a deal, given the significant political and logistical challenges involved.
In addition, even if the deal were to go through, it is unlikely to address the root causes of the conflict in Gaza. The blockade by Israel, the economic hardship faced by Palestinians in the region, and the lack of a political solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict all continue to fuel tensions in Gaza.
While the proposed deal between Lebanon, Cyprus, and Gaza offers a glimmer of hope for potential progress in the region, it is clear that much more needs to be done to address the underlying issues and bring about a lasting peace in Gaza. Until then, experts remain doubtful that this deal alone will be enough to break the deadlock in Gaza.