World Leaders Seek Peace in Gaza During UN General Assembly

Summary

Podcast Summary: Bloomberg Businessweek

Episode: World Leaders Seek Peace in Gaza During UN General Assembly
Hosts: Carol Massar and Tim Stenovec
Date: September 23, 2025
Featured Guest: Mona Yakoubian (Director and Senior Advisor, Middle East Program, Center for Strategic and International Studies)

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Episode Overview

This episode dives into the evolving international response to the war in Gaza, particularly in the context of the UN General Assembly. The conversation focuses on recent diplomatic moves to recognize Palestine as a state, Israel’s isolation, ongoing hostilities, economic fallout, and the prospects for peace. Mona Yakoubian, a renowned Middle East analyst, provides critical context and insight on what might lie ahead for the region and for global diplomatic efforts.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Diplomatic Recognition of Palestine

[01:39–03:29]

• France and Saudi Arabia led a call at the UN for Israel to end the war in Gaza after formally recognizing Palestine.
• Other nations (UK, Canada, Australia, Portugal) also joined the recognition, bringing the total to nearly 150—not including the United States.
• President Trump addressed the UN, condemning unilateral recognition of Palestine, asserting it would "reward Hamas terrorists" and linking the issue directly to the October 7th attack:
  • Quote: "Some of this body is seeking to unilaterally recognize a Palestinian state. The rewards would be too great for Hamas terrorists...including October 7th." (President Trump, 02:08)

2. The Role and Limits of Symbolic Recognition

[03:29–04:40]

• Mona Yakoubian calls the recent wave of recognitions “symbolic,” expressing skepticism about their immediate impact:
  • Quote: "There's growing momentum for the declaration of a Palestinian state and yet nothing could be further from reality on the ground, certainly in Gaza and beyond." (Mona Yakoubian, 03:29)
• Recognition is notable but, without U.S. or Israeli engagement, unlikely to move the peace process forward.

3. Economic Pressure and Its Effectiveness

[04:40–05:48]

• The EU discusses possibly suspending Israel’s preferential trade benefits, though Germany and others resist.
• Yakoubian argues real leverage lies with the U.S., not the EU:
  • Quote: "Barring significant leverage from the United States as the primary ally and supporter of Israel, it's really hard to see how any of these measures are, are going to have a real impact on Israeli decision making." (Mona Yakoubian, 05:19)

4. U.S. Leverage Over Israel

[05:48–06:23]

• Discussion of what U.S. leverage could look like: arms sales, embargoes, or restraints.
• Despite debate within Congress, the Trump administration is pushing for increased arms sales rather than restrictions.

5. Hostages and Prospects for Ceasefire

[06:23–07:51]

• Hostages remain central. Trump and others argue for prioritizing their release.
• Yakoubian acknowledges Hamas’ reported offer: a 60-day partial ceasefire in exchange for a staggered release of hostages.
  • Quote: “Hamas is proposing a limited 60-day ceasefire in exchange for a partial release of the hostages.” (Mona Yakoubian, 06:39)
• Israeli public pressure for a deal is significant, but Netanyahu and inner circle are resistant.

6. Why the War Continues

[08:05–09:44]

• Yakoubian attributes the protracted conflict to entrenched positions and failed negotiations:
  • Quote: “Conflicts take on dynamics of their own...it's very hard to actually bring adversaries to the table and move toward compromise when one side or the other believes that it can continue to make gains on the ground.” (Mona Yakoubian, 08:44)
• Recent failed mediation by Qatar, interrupted by Israeli strikes, illustrates the fragility of peace efforts.

7. What Should Happen Next

[09:44–10:49]

• Yakoubian recommends that, after significant military gains, it’s time for both sides to end the conflict.
  • Quote: “The most significant military gains have already been made... The costs of continuing this conflict are greater than any benefit. This is the moment to move toward a conclusion.” (Mona Yakoubian, 10:08)

8. Human and Economic Costs

[10:49–11:26]

• Palestinian economy devastated; World Bank calls it the worst contraction in a generation.
• Over 65,000 Palestinians reported dead since the conflict began.
• 90% of Gaza’s infrastructure is destroyed, with widespread famine and displacement.

9. What Remains of Palestine and Prospects for Rebuilding

[11:12–12:10]

• Even with a ceasefire, rebuilding Gaza will take years and massive resources—none possible without a political settlement.
  • Quote: “The devastation cannot be overstated. 90% of infrastructure has been destroyed... massive hunger and even famine in parts of Gaza.” (Mona Yakoubian, 11:26)

10. U.S. as Indispensable Peacemaker

[12:10–13:06]

• Yakoubian sees U.S. involvement as crucial due to its unique influence over Israel and relationships with Arab states.
  • Quote: “The U.S. is indispensable to bringing an end to this war. It is really only the United States that exercises the kind of leverage and influence over Israel.” (Mona Yakoubian, 12:29)

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• President Trump: “Some of this body is seeking to unilaterally recognize a Palestinian state. The rewards would be too great for Hamas terrorists for their atrocities.” (02:08)
• Mona Yakoubian:
  • “We're watching this weird paradox where there's growing momentum for the declaration of a Palestinian state and yet nothing could be further from reality on the ground.” (03:29)
  • “The first step is for the fighting to come to a conclusion. It's going to be a long time and is going to take enormous resources for Gaza to rebuild.” (11:26)
  • “The U.S. is indispensable to bringing an end to this war.” (12:29)

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Key Timestamps

• 01:39: Start of main discussion—Palestine recognition at the UN, the position of the U.S., and Trump’s speech
• 03:29: Mona Yakoubian’s assessment of “symbolic” recognition vs. reality
• 05:19: Effectiveness of international economic pressure
• 06:39: Hostage situation, Hamas’ 60-day ceasefire proposal
• 08:44: Why the conflict persists: patterns in escalation and failed mediation
• 10:08: Yakoubian’s advice to U.S./Israeli leaders: time to end the war
• 11:26: Scale of devastation in Gaza
• 12:29: U.S. indispensable as potential peacemaker

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Tone and Takeaways

The conversation is analytical, measured, and urgent—highlighting both the humanitarian catastrophe and the complex political realities. Mona Yakoubian’s assessments combine realism about the current deadlock with insistence on the need for U.S. intervention and an eventual diplomatic solution.

For listeners seeking clarity on why peace in Gaza remains elusive, this episode offers expert-driven, on-the-ground realities and explores what meaningful international action would require.

Transcript

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[Host 2]

You're listening to Bloomberg Businessweek with Carol Massar and Tim Stanvak on Bloomberg Radio.

[Interviewer]

France recognized Palestine as an independent state and along with Saudi Arabia at a UN conference led by the two countries called on Israel to end the war in Gaza immediately. Now several countries including the uk, Canada, Australia and Portugal, former formally recognized Palestine. Tim joining almost 150 nations that had.

[Host 1]

Already made the move, not among them the United States. President Trump addressing the reasons why when he spoke this morning to the UN General assembly here in New York.

[President Donald Trump]

Some of this body is seeking to unilaterally recognize a Palestinian state. The rewards would be too great for Hamas terrorists for their atrocities. This would be a reward for these horrible atrocities, including October 7th. Even while they refuse to release the hostages or accept a ceasefire, those who want peace should be united with one Release the hostages now. Just release the hostages now.

[Interviewer]

President Trump at the U.N. general assembly earlier today. The Israeli ambassador to the U.N. pictured in that video as well. Hey joining us with what may be next in the war between Israel and Hamas, Mona Yakoubian. She's director and senior advisor, Middle East Program at the center for Strategic and International Studies. She joins us from D.C. she has more than 30 years of experience working on the Middle east and North Africa and she has spent time at usaid, also the State Department, a lot more. So she's got a great perspective on this. Monica, great to have you. Mona, rather great to have you here with us. In terms of the meetings this week, what you're hearing so far, do you think anything will come out in terms of progress toward ending the war between Israel and Hamas?

[Mona Yakoubian]

You know, unfortunately, I don't see any near term prospect for a ceasefire. We're sort of watching this weird paradox where there's growing momentum for the declaration of a Palestinian state and yet nothing could be further from reality on the ground, certainly in Gaza and beyond.

[Host 1]

So then is the recognition symbolic? And if it is symbolic, does it do more than just make Israel feel isolated?

[Mona Yakoubian]

Well, it's certainly symbolic. It's hard. As I said, it doesn't translate to anything concrete on the ground. It certainly has had, I think, the effect of isolating Israel and in a way, though, I think therefore having Israel also entrench its position further. Prime Minister Netanyahu has been very clear that he is in no way, shape or form interested in seeing a Palestinian state come to fruition. And so that's why without, without the buy in of Israel or the United States, it's very hard to see how these declarations really go any further than simply the statements that are being made.

[Interviewer]

What about financial pressure and economic pressure on Israel in particular? I mean, the eu, Israel's biggest trading partner, is discussing suspending Israel's preferential commerce benefits. Although some key German polit politicians have expressed their disapproval. We've also talked about, you know, the money that Israel is spending on this war and the impact it's having on its economy. How much of a financial and economic cost, how much more can Israel endure? Let's start there. Or is that putting pressure for them to also bring an end to this, putting aside the impact on human life, which is significant.

[Mona Yakoubian]

But I think, as you rightly point out, first, we're still away from, I think, concerted EU action against Israel because of, you know, the kind of the opposition of countries like Germany. My own view is barring significant leverage from the United States as the primary ally and supporter of Israel, it's really hard to see how any of these measures are, are going to have a real impact on Israeli decision making.

[Host 1]

What kind of leverage is that in the form of funds is in the form of weapons. What's the leverage Well, I mean, I.

[Mona Yakoubian]

Think arms sales are often raised as a key leverage measure that the US could take. Restricting arms sales, maybe defense only selling defensive weapons, or perhaps a full embargo on arms sales. These are certainly measures that have been discussed by Democrats in Congress, but again, we haven't seen those take on any momentum. And in fact, if anything, the Trump administration is actually proposing increased arms sales to Israel.

[Host 1]

What would you say to folks out there? And we heard from the President who said those who want peace should be united with one message. Release the hostages now. Just release the hostages. Those, those critics out there who say the ball right now is in Hamas's court. They can end this by releasing the hostages.

[Mona Yakoubian]

Well, there's reporting that Hamas is proposing a limited 60 day cease fire in exchange for a partial release of the hostages and then perh, additional releases as the cease fire goes on. At the end of the day, you know, yes, of course Hamas on the ground is a critical element in this, but Israel is as well. And there really needs to be perhaps movement on the part of Israel as well towards some kind of a cease fire negotiation, positive movement in the direction of a ceasefire.

[Interviewer]

Yeah, I think, you know, on the flip side to what Tim said, I mean, why, why wouldn't Israel say, yeah, ceasefire, let's bring those folks home.

[Mona Yakoubian]

Well, let's be clear, we're saying Israel as though it's a unitary actor, which of course is not the case. So there have been massive demonstrations in Israel by, across the political spectrum and certainly by hostage families really demanding that the Israeli government do more to reach a ceasefire. And it's really, you know, Prime Minister Netanyahu and those directly around him who have really, you know, put the brakes on any effort to actually move those negotiations along on that.

[Host 1]

We're going to be joined a little later in our program just at the 4 o' clock hour by Ethan Branar. Typically he joins us from Tel Aviv, but he's bringing the Tel Aviv view to New York. He's going to be in our studio a little later, so we'll get an update from him on what's happening on the ground in Tel Aviv right now too.

[Interviewer]

Yeah, looking forward to that. One thing I wanted to ask you, Mona, I mean, I don't want to sound naive, but why has this really gone on for so long? You know, before this war we were talking about Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, maybe losing his job. You know, there was so much pushback against him. I'm just trying to understand what's really at the Heart of this, you have studied the region for a long time, you understand conflict. And I just wonder, you know, why it's going on for so long. And really, what, what do we get on the other side of this beyond.

[Mona Yakoubian]

A lot of loss, enormous loss and devastation? I mean, unfortunately, conflicts take on dynamics of their own. And I think we've seen that in Gaza where, you know, there's efforts that have been made to move toward a ceasefire. Of course, let's not forget just a couple weeks ago, Qatar was in the midst of mediating between Israel and Hamas when Israel unleashed strikes on Doha that immediately suspended that mediation. And so it's very hard to actually bring adversaries to the table and move toward compromise when one side or the other believes that it can, it can continue to make gains on the ground. And I think certainly in the case of both Hamas and Israel, we're not seeing, seeing either side ready to sort of give up, surrender, come to the table and reach some sort of conclusion to this conflict.

[Host 1]

As Carol mentioned in the introduction, you've spent decades working on the Middle east and North Africa. You focused on conflict analysis, governance and stabilization, conflict prevention, usaid, US State Department and much more. If you were advising US leaders right now and Israeli leaders right now to end this conflict, how would you advise them?

[Mona Yakoubian]

I would say that the most significant military gains have already been made. And this isn't me. This is the opinion of senior leadership in the Israeli military. That net, net the, the, the, the costs of continuing this conflict are greater than any benefit. This is the moment to move toward a conclusion. It will be now two years this October, since October 7th, there are still some 20 Israeli hostages alive still in Gaza. It's time to bring this conflict to an end so that they can come home and the region can move towards stabilization.

[Interviewer]

You know, we talked about the cost to Israel, financial, economic and other. The war has decimated also the Palestinian economy. The World bank saying it was experiencing, quote, its deepest contraction over a generation. More than 65,000 Palestinians have died since the start of the conflict. And that's again according to the Hamas run health Ministry. I mean, there's costs on all sides.

[Host 1]

Yeah, and Carol raised a good question when we were talking about this at ahead of time, which is essentially, okay, what's left or of a quote unquote Palestinian state at the end of this conflict. What happens in Gaza?

[Mona Yakoubian]

Well, the devastation cannot be overstated. 90% of infrastructure has been destroyed. We are seeing, you know, the Israelis are currently undertaking an incursion into Gaza City. There are continuing displacements of Palestinian civilians, massive hunger and even famine in parts of Gaza. So first, I think the first step is for the fighting to come to a conclusion. And then unfortunately, it's going to be a long time and is going to take enormous resources for Gaza to rebuild. And of course, none of that will happen in the absence of some sort of political settlement.

[Interviewer]

Well, and I just want to go back to, you know, we talked about Israel being increasingly isolated when it comes to other world leaders. The US Too kind of isolated in its stance on this. Is the US Still a key voice in this war and helping to bring an end to it?

[Mona Yakoubian]

I think the US Is indispensable to bringing an end to this war. It is really only the United States that exercises the kind of leverage and influence over Israel. And of course, as the deep ties with Arab governments that support the Palestinians, the US Is really in a unique position. And I really hope that the Trump administration seizes on this unique position that it has to do. As President Trump Trump promised in his inauguration speech, he wants to be a peacemaker. This is a conflict that's really crying out for resolution. All right.

[Interviewer]

Well, good to get your view on all of this. There's so much going on and continuing to come at us certainly this week. Mona Yakoubien, thank you. Director and Senior Advisor, Middle East Program at the center for Strategic and International Studies.

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