World leaders assembled for a phone call over the weekend with the difficult but essential aim of averting a wider conflict in the Middle East. They reiterated their support for Israel and its right to defend itself and also called for respect for international law, the release of hostages by Hamas and the urgent need for greater aid in Gaza.
There has been some progress as 14 trucks containing humanitarian aid flowed into Gaza on Sunday, while two hostages (out of more than 200) were released on Friday. The success of the broader goal, of preventing a regional war, is very much to be determined.
