2025-07-29
5 分钟The Economist. Hi there, it's Jason Palmer here,
co-host of The Intelligence, our daily news and current affairs podcast.
This is Editor's Picks.
You're about to hear an article from the latest edition of The Economist read aloud.
Enjoy.
The war Israel waged against Iran was short, with precision strikes,
clear goals and results that enhanced its military prestige.
The war against Hamas in Gaza has become endless, indiscriminate and militarily pointless.
It is turning Israel into a pariah.
This newspaper has called for a ceasefire since 2024.
Now, after weeks of talks in Qatar,
the time has come for America to use all its power to bring about a negotiated end to the fighting.
That is essential in order to avoid mass starvation.
It is also in Israel's national self-interest and would open up a genuine chance to build a government for Gaza that excludes what is left of Hamas.
The situation is dire.
Over 60% of buildings are damaged and 2 million people have been displaced,
many of them crammed into the centre of the Strip.
Although predictions of famine in 2024 by aid groups and the UN proved wrong,
the threat today is real and urgent.
Israel has sought to open corridors to supply aid,