Is the UN still relevant in the Middle East?

The UN, sidelined by Israel and the United States in the Middle East conflict, has little room for manoeuvre. But no long-term solution is possible without the international organisation, experts say. In January, the fragile two-month ceasefire between Hamas and Israel was negotiated by the United States, Egypt and Qatar. It was intended to end the war between the two parties in three stages. The United Nations, historically a leader of peace mediations in the region did not take part in the process. The war between Hamas and Israel, triggered by the attack on Israel by the Palestinian militant group some 19 months ago, shows no sign of ending. Analysts and observers say the UN could contribute more to resolve the conflict. The organisation has the ability to back a political solution, peacekeeping forces, distribution of humanitarian aid and support legally binding rulings of international law. Instead, the UN is increasingly being sidelined in negotiations on the Middle East ...