Ceasefire was the only way to prevent wider war in Mideast

Hopes for a ceasefire that would end all current hostilities in the region have all but faded following Monday's massive Pearl Harbour-type attack by Israel on Lebanon.

Ceasefire talks have failed with Israel blaming Hamas, and Hamas blaming Israel.

The negotiations have sapped the effectiveness of U.S. President Joe Biden's leadership which has been all but non-existent in the near 12-months long so-called