It has been nearly a year now since Hamas attacked Israel killing 1200 people and taking another 250 hostages. Since that time, 40,000 Palestinians have died as Israel has tried to root out Hamas from Gaza. World opinion has turned against Israel since October 7. Of the 250 initial hostages, there are 101 left, with 35 of these believed to have died.

The pressure on Benjamin Netanyahu to arrive at a cease fire deal is immense. The pressure intensified, this week with the discovery of six dead hostages. There have been nationwide protest in Israel and strikes.

Netanyahu’s biggest fear is that if a cease-fire is negotiated before the job is done, Hamas will again establish a foothold in Gaza. Netanyahu loses either way. He has two choices, in his view. He could have a ceasefire deal resulting in the release of the remaining hostages, but with Hamas remaining a threat. Or he could keep fighting, inviting increasing world, condemnation, and condemnation within his own country. It is lose lose no matter what.