Can diplomacy end the conflict in Gaza?
As the conflict in Gaza intensifies, Washington is attempting to mediate.
US President Barack Obama told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu he was worried fierce fighting with Hamas in Gaza could escalate, and offered help to broker a ceasefire.
Obama spoke to Netanyahu after Israeli jets pounded Gaza for a fourth consecutive day but did not stop its fighters from launching more rockets. The situation is causing global concern over the rising number of Palestinian casualties.
The US regards Hamas as a terrorist organisation and so is not prepared to negotiate with the group. But John Kerry, the US secretary of state, spoke to the Egyptian foreign minister and the leaders of Qatar, urging them to use their influence with Hamas to stop the fighting.
So, will Washington rely on regional players to achieve a truce in Gaza? And do these countries have any desire to do this job?
Presenter: Mike Hanna
Guests:
Dan Diker: Director General of the World Jewish Congress.
Oguz Celikkol: Former Turkish Ambassador to Israel.
Noura Erakat: Human Rights Lawyer and Adjuct Professor at Georgetown University.