The UN needs to intervene to revitalise peace talks between Israel and Hamas

A new initiative is necessary to broker a ceasefire agreement in Gaza. The question is by whom — is it time for the United Nations secretary general to get involved?

Protestors block a road in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Sunday calling for a deal for the immediate release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip by Hamas. Photo: AP/Ohad Zwigenberg

In the last few days, as this analysis is being updated, six Israeli hostages were found dead in a tunnel, having been killed as the IDF closed in on their location. 

As the first anniversary of the October 7 attack approaches, these deaths, and the deaths of over 40,600 Gazans, underline the depths of barbarity and depravity to which the human condition can sink once the dogs of war are unleashed.