Efforts to reach a ceasefire and hostage deal in the Israel-Hamas conflict is still facing serious challenges. Talks aimed at bringing about a ceasefire in Gaza have so far failed to deliver. Egypt, Qatar and the U.S. are working with Israel and Hamas on a potential deal that would also see a release of hostages. Is the region now on the brink of further violence? 

Joining the discussion:

• Dan Arbell is a veteran of the Israeli Foreign Service, he is currently a scholar in residence at the Center for Israeli Studies at American University. 
• Khalil Jahshan is Executive Director of the Arab Center in Washington, D.C. 
• Trita Parsi is the Executive Vice President of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft. 
• Edmund Ghareeb is a Middle East scholar and analyst.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken ended his ninth visit to the Middle East since the war in Gaza began without securing any major breakthrough for a cease-fire deal https://t.co/2VJYYK51XJ pic.twitter.com/XwPrj3hN56

— TIME (@TIME) August 21, 2024

Top US diplomat Antony Blinken headed home on Wednesday after failing to secure a Gaza ceasefire, warning both Israel and Hamas his plan may be the last chance to avert a broader war.https://t.co/FH08MLerwo

— AFP News Agency (@AFP) August 21, 2024