Tamer Qarmout, an assistant professor in public policy at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, argues the US administration’s mediation in the Gaza conflict is more about optics than a sincere push for peace.

“From the onset of the war, the diplomatic behaviour of the Americans has not been what you would expect from a mediator,” said Qarmout, pointing to Washington’s continued supply of weapons to Israel. “The US has sadly chosen to be partner to Israel during this war.”

Speaking to Al Jazeera, Qarmout claimed the administration of US President Joe Biden is simply “pretending” to engage in high-stakes diplomacy to end the war so it has a “ready answer” for pro-Palestine voters who are disillusioned with the Democratic Party ahead of November elections.

“In reality, [the administration] is just siding with Israel,” Qarmout said. “I think the behaviour of the US administration shows they’re committed to helping Netanyahu achieve the victory he is looking for”.