JERUSALEM — As the Hamas–Israel war nears its 20th month and the Israeli military has once again expanded its operations in Gaza, a long-lasting resolution could still be elusive. Despite efforts by President Donald Trump’s administration, previous ceasefires failed to permanently stop the fighting.

For Hamas, the more destruction the Israeli military inflicts on Gaza, the better the optics. Hunkered down in the territory’s few remaining schools and hospitals, it has continued to use civilians as human shields.