No path to peace: On Israel’s rejection of peace plan
ExamTerm 3 min read 25 new words
Almost a year has elapsed since the United States purportedly brokered a ceasefire intended to halt Israel's extensive bombardment and devastation of Gaza. Nevertheless, subsequent to this agreement, Israeli military actions have claimed the lives of nearly 1,300 Palestinians, and its forces now occupy approximately 65% of the Strip. A substantial portion of the two million residents in this area subsist in makeshift tent communities amidst ruins, with educational institutions and medical facilities non-operational. Humanitarian aid continues to be severely restricted, and Israel has obstructed reconstruction efforts, insisting that Hamas must first disarm. Yet, when Hamas agreed to a phased decommissioning and storage of its heavy weaponry, in conjunction with a gradual Israeli withdrawal supported by U.S.-backed Palestinian technocrats — as part of a 15-point blueprint proposed by the "Board of Peace" led by Donald Trump — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refused to endorse it. He stated that Israel was "rejecting the 15-point document" and affirmed that no withdrawal would occur until Hamas relinquished "heavy weapons, lighter weapons, all weapons." It appears Israel's objectives extend beyond merely disarming Hamas to the complete subjugation of Gaza, a pursuit that continues to exact a heavy toll on civilians and children. The nation is currently facing genocide proceedings at the International Court of Justice, while the International Criminal Court has issued an arrest warrant for Mr. Netanyahu, who is also undergoing a corruption trial. By pledging the absolute eradication of Hamas, he has sought to retain power by securing the backing of the ultranationalist right wing; any concession regarding withdrawal would undoubtedly precipitate political repercussions for his right-wing coalition in the elections slated for October.
The military campaign against Iran, initiated by Mr. Trump and Israel on February 28 with the aim of regime change, has proven disastrous, triggering a widespread fuel crisis that has impacted numerous countries. With the Strait of Hormuz barely operational, escalating costs for American gasoline and agricultural fertilizers have begun to strain the U.S. economy, compelling Mr. Trump to seek a diplomatic breakthrough in West Asia to salvage his reputation. A decline in public support for Israel, particularly as U.S. mid-term elections approach, also elucidates the rationale behind the Board's recommendations. While the Board's preposterous vision for a "New Gaza"—featuring a free-trade zone, privatized infrastructure, and an absence of Palestinian representation on the Board—appears to be a blatant maneuver for financial gain in the aftermath of the devastating conflict, the 15-point plan itself would likely be welcomed by the suffering populace of Gaza. For Hamas, now with limited bargaining power, disarming is a necessity, yet it must be reciprocated by an Israeli pullout. Mr. Trump and his counselors ought to consider if Washington's long-standing agreement, akin to a Faustian pact—providing weaponry and protection to a militarized Israel on its own conditions—is sustainable, or if the U.S. should instead utilize its significant influence as Israel's primary arms provider to enforce a legitimate withdrawal. The opportunity for change has not yet passed.
English: Passed or gone by, referring to time. Explanation: This word is typically used when talking about a period of time that has passed.
बीत गया
elapsed
VerbMedium
English: Passed or gone by, referring to time. Explanation: This word is typically used when talking about a period of time that has passed.
बीत गया
Examples
A year has elapsed since we last met.
Synonyms
passed, gone, expired, run out, finished, completed
Antonyms
started, begun, commenced, initiated
Memory Trick
Think of "e-LAPSED" like time "lapsed" or slipped away.
AdverbMedium
English: As appears or is stated to be true, though not necessarily so; allegedly. Explanation: This adverb is used to indicate that something is claimed or believed to be true, but there might be some doubt or it's not yet proven.
कथित तौर पर
purportedly
AdverbMedium
English: As appears or is stated to be true, though not necessarily so; allegedly. Explanation: This adverb is used to indicate that something is claimed or believed to be true, but there might be some doubt or it's not yet proven.
कथित तौर पर
Examples
The treasure was purportedly hidden in the old castle.
"PURPORTEDLY" sounds like "reportedly," meaning it's based on reports, not necessarily facts.
VerbMedium
English: Arranged or negotiated a deal, agreement, or settlement. Explanation: To act as a middleman in a transaction or negotiation, helping parties reach an agreement.
दलाली की, मध्यस्थता की
brokered
VerbMedium
English: Arranged or negotiated a deal, agreement, or settlement. Explanation: To act as a middleman in a transaction or negotiation, helping parties reach an agreement.
दलाली की, मध्यस्थता की
Examples
The diplomat brokered a peace deal between the warring nations.
"DEVASTATION" sounds like "DEVIL-STATION," a place of extreme destruction.
VerbMedium
English: Maintain or support oneself, especially at a minimal level. Explanation: To manage to stay alive, often with very little food or money.
गुजारा करना, निर्वाह करना
subsist
VerbMedium
English: Maintain or support oneself, especially at a minimal level. Explanation: To manage to stay alive, often with very little food or money.
गुजारा करना, निर्वाह करना
Examples
Many families in the region subsist on less than a dollar a day.
Synonyms
survive, exist, live, endure, sustain oneself, get by
Antonyms
perish, die, cease, fail, starve
Memory Trick
"SUBSIST" sounds like "SUB-SIST," meaning to exist "sub-" (below) a comfortable level, just barely.
AdjectiveMedium
English: Serving as a temporary substitute; improvised. Explanation: Something that is used temporarily because the proper or intended item is not available.
कामचलाऊ, अस्थायी
makeshift
AdjectiveMedium
English: Serving as a temporary substitute; improvised. Explanation: Something that is used temporarily because the proper or intended item is not available.
कामचलाऊ, अस्थायी
Examples
They built a makeshift shelter from branches and leaves.
Synonyms
temporary, improvised, provisional, stopgap, crude, ad hoc
"MAKE-SHIFT" – you "make" something to "shift" (change) a problem temporarily.
VerbMedium
English: Blocked or hindered the passage, progress, or view of something. Explanation: To put an obstacle in the way of something, making it difficult or impossible to pass or proceed.
बाधित, अवरुद्ध
obstructed
VerbMedium
English: Blocked or hindered the passage, progress, or view of something. Explanation: To put an obstacle in the way of something, making it difficult or impossible to pass or proceed.
"OBSTRUCTED" sounds like "OBSTACLE-STRUCTED," meaning an obstacle was constructed.
NounHard
English: The process of taking a facility, equipment, or weapon system out of active service. Explanation: The act of formally removing something from active use, often involving dismantling or making it safe.
सेवामुक्त करना, निष्क्रिय करना
decommissioning
NounHard
English: The process of taking a facility, equipment, or weapon system out of active service. Explanation: The act of formally removing something from active use, often involving dismantling or making it safe.
सेवामुक्त करना, निष्क्रिय करना
Examples
The decommissioning of the old power plant will take several years.
"CONJUNCTION" sounds like "CONNECT-JUNCTION," where things connect.
NounHard
English: Skilled experts in a specific field who hold significant power in a government or other organization. Explanation: Individuals who have technical expertise and apply it to governance or management.
तकनीकी विशेषज्ञ
technocrats
NounHard
English: Skilled experts in a specific field who hold significant power in a government or other organization. Explanation: Individuals who have technical expertise and apply it to governance or management.
तकनीकी विशेषज्ञ
Examples
The new government appointed several technocrats to key ministerial positions.
"TECHNO-CRATS" – people with "TECHNO"logical knowledge who are "CRATS" (like bureaucrats, but with tech skills).
NounMedium
English: A detailed plan or design, often for a large-scale project. Explanation: A detailed scheme or plan of action, often serving as a model for future work.
खाका, विस्तृत योजना
blueprint
NounMedium
English: A detailed plan or design, often for a large-scale project. Explanation: A detailed scheme or plan of action, often serving as a model for future work.
खाका, विस्तृत योजना
Examples
The architect presented the blueprint for the new building.
"RE-LINQUISHED" sounds like "RE-LEAVE-WISHED," wishing to leave something behind.
NounHard
English: The action of bringing someone or something under domination or control. Explanation: The act of conquering or bringing under control, often by force.
अधीनता, वशीकरण
subjugation
NounHard
English: The action of bringing someone or something under domination or control. Explanation: The act of conquering or bringing under control, often by force.
अधीनता, वशीकरण
Examples
The empire sought the complete subjugation of its neighbors.
"SUBJUGATION" sounds like "SUB-JUG," putting someone "under the jug" or under control.
VerbMedium
English: To demand and obtain something from someone. Explanation: To demand and get something, especially payment or revenge, or to inflict something.
वसूल करना, मांगना
exact
VerbMedium
English: To demand and obtain something from someone. Explanation: To demand and get something, especially payment or revenge, or to inflict something.
वसूल करना, मांगना
Examples
The war exacted a heavy toll on the population.
Synonyms
demand, extract, inflict, impose, levy, extort
Antonyms
waive, forgo, relinquish, excuse, pardon
Memory Trick
"EXACT" as a verb means to "EXACT" a price, like demanding it precisely.
NounHard
English: The deliberate killing of a large number of people from a particular nation or ethnic group with the aim of destroying that nation or group. Explanation: The systematic and deliberate extermination of a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group.
नरसंहार
genocide
NounHard
English: The deliberate killing of a large number of people from a particular nation or ethnic group with the aim of destroying that nation or group. Explanation: The systematic and deliberate extermination of a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group.
नरसंहार
Examples
The international court is investigating claims of genocide.
Synonyms
massacre, extermination, ethnic cleansing, mass murder, annihilation, pogrom
Antonyms
preservation, protection, fostering, nurturing
Memory Trick
"GENO-CIDE" – "GENO" (race/origin) + "CIDE" (killing), so killing of a race.
NounHard
English: The complete destruction of something. Explanation: The process of getting rid of something completely, especially something harmful.
उन्मूलन, जड़ से मिटाना
eradication
NounHard
English: The complete destruction of something. Explanation: The process of getting rid of something completely, especially something harmful.
उन्मूलन, जड़ से मिटाना
Examples
The goal of the campaign was the eradication of poverty.
"E-RADICATION" sounds like "E-RADICATE," to remove something from its "roots" (radix).
AdjectiveHard
English: Characterized by extreme nationalism, especially as a political ideology. Explanation: Someone who holds extreme nationalistic views, often advocating for aggressive national interests and superiority.
अति-राष्ट्रवादी
ultranationalist
AdjectiveHard
English: Characterized by extreme nationalism, especially as a political ideology. Explanation: Someone who holds extreme nationalistic views, often advocating for aggressive national interests and superiority.
अति-राष्ट्रवादी
Examples
The party's ultranationalist agenda caused concern among neighboring countries.
"ULTRA-NATIONALIST" – "ULTRA" (extreme) + "NATIONALIST" (devotion to one's nation).
NounMedium
English: A thing that is granted, especially in response to demands; a compromise. Explanation: Something that is given up or allowed in order to reach an agreement or settle a dispute.
रियायत, छूट
concession
NounMedium
English: A thing that is granted, especially in response to demands; a compromise. Explanation: Something that is given up or allowed in order to reach an agreement or settle a dispute.
रियायत, छूट
Examples
The company made a concession on salaries to avoid a strike.
"CONCESSION" sounds like "CON-CEDE," to concede or give in.
VerbHard
English: Cause (an event or situation, typically one that is bad or undesirable) to happen suddenly, unexpectedly, or prematurely. Explanation: To make something happen suddenly or sooner than expected, often something negative.
उत्पन्न करना, तेजी लाना
precipitate
VerbHard
English: Cause (an event or situation, typically one that is bad or undesirable) to happen suddenly, unexpectedly, or prematurely. Explanation: To make something happen suddenly or sooner than expected, often something negative.
उत्पन्न करना, तेजी लाना
Examples
The sudden announcement precipitated a stock market crash.
Synonyms
trigger, cause, spark, instigate, accelerate, hasten
Antonyms
delay, hinder, avert, prevent, postpone, defer
Memory Trick
"PRECIPITATE" sounds like "PRE-SIP-IT-ATE," like you're rushing to "sip it" and cause something to happen fast.
NounHard
English: An unintended consequence occurring sometime after an event or action, especially an unwelcome one. Explanation: The consequences or effects of an action or event, especially negative or unwelcome ones.
प्रतिध्वनि, परिणाम
repercussions
NounHard
English: An unintended consequence occurring sometime after an event or action, especially an unwelcome one. Explanation: The consequences or effects of an action or event, especially negative or unwelcome ones.
प्रतिध्वनि, परिणाम
Examples
The scandal had serious repercussions for his career.
"PRE-POSTEROUS" sounds like "PRE-POSTER-US," like an idea so silly it belongs on a funny poster.
PhraseHard
English: A deal in which one sacrifices moral values or one's soul for worldly gain, typically power or knowledge. Explanation: A bargain with the devil, where a person sacrifices their spiritual values for material gain, power, or knowledge.
शैतान से सौदा
Faustian pact
PhraseHard
English: A deal in which one sacrifices moral values or one's soul for worldly gain, typically power or knowledge. Explanation: A bargain with the devil, where a person sacrifices their spiritual values for material gain, power, or knowledge.
शैतान से सौदा
Examples
His rise to power was seen by many as a Faustian pact.
Synonyms
devil's bargain, unholy alliance, desperate deal, moral compromise, pact with evil
Antonyms
ethical agreement, moral stand, principled choice
Memory Trick
"FAUSTIAN PACT" refers to the legend of Faust, who made a deal with the devil. Think "Faust's Pact."
Study Tip
Bookmark difficult words to your Word Bank and review them regularly to lock them into memory.
Vocabulary
VerbMedium
English: Passed or gone by, referring to time. Explanation: This word is typically used when talking about a period of time that has passed.
बीत गया
elapsed
VerbMedium
English: Passed or gone by, referring to time. Explanation: This word is typically used when talking about a period of time that has passed.
बीत गया
Examples
A year has elapsed since we last met.
Synonyms
passed, gone, expired, run out, finished, completed
Antonyms
started, begun, commenced, initiated
Memory Trick
Think of "e-LAPSED" like time "lapsed" or slipped away.
AdverbMedium
English: As appears or is stated to be true, though not necessarily so; allegedly. Explanation: This adverb is used to indicate that something is claimed or believed to be true, but there might be some doubt or it's not yet proven.
कथित तौर पर
purportedly
AdverbMedium
English: As appears or is stated to be true, though not necessarily so; allegedly. Explanation: This adverb is used to indicate that something is claimed or believed to be true, but there might be some doubt or it's not yet proven.
कथित तौर पर
Examples
The treasure was purportedly hidden in the old castle.
"PURPORTEDLY" sounds like "reportedly," meaning it's based on reports, not necessarily facts.
VerbMedium
English: Arranged or negotiated a deal, agreement, or settlement. Explanation: To act as a middleman in a transaction or negotiation, helping parties reach an agreement.
दलाली की, मध्यस्थता की
brokered
VerbMedium
English: Arranged or negotiated a deal, agreement, or settlement. Explanation: To act as a middleman in a transaction or negotiation, helping parties reach an agreement.
दलाली की, मध्यस्थता की
Examples
The diplomat brokered a peace deal between the warring nations.
"DEVASTATION" sounds like "DEVIL-STATION," a place of extreme destruction.
VerbMedium
English: Maintain or support oneself, especially at a minimal level. Explanation: To manage to stay alive, often with very little food or money.
गुजारा करना, निर्वाह करना
subsist
VerbMedium
English: Maintain or support oneself, especially at a minimal level. Explanation: To manage to stay alive, often with very little food or money.
गुजारा करना, निर्वाह करना
Examples
Many families in the region subsist on less than a dollar a day.
Synonyms
survive, exist, live, endure, sustain oneself, get by
Antonyms
perish, die, cease, fail, starve
Memory Trick
"SUBSIST" sounds like "SUB-SIST," meaning to exist "sub-" (below) a comfortable level, just barely.
AdjectiveMedium
English: Serving as a temporary substitute; improvised. Explanation: Something that is used temporarily because the proper or intended item is not available.
कामचलाऊ, अस्थायी
makeshift
AdjectiveMedium
English: Serving as a temporary substitute; improvised. Explanation: Something that is used temporarily because the proper or intended item is not available.
कामचलाऊ, अस्थायी
Examples
They built a makeshift shelter from branches and leaves.
Synonyms
temporary, improvised, provisional, stopgap, crude, ad hoc
"MAKE-SHIFT" – you "make" something to "shift" (change) a problem temporarily.
VerbMedium
English: Blocked or hindered the passage, progress, or view of something. Explanation: To put an obstacle in the way of something, making it difficult or impossible to pass or proceed.
बाधित, अवरुद्ध
obstructed
VerbMedium
English: Blocked or hindered the passage, progress, or view of something. Explanation: To put an obstacle in the way of something, making it difficult or impossible to pass or proceed.
"OBSTRUCTED" sounds like "OBSTACLE-STRUCTED," meaning an obstacle was constructed.
NounHard
English: The process of taking a facility, equipment, or weapon system out of active service. Explanation: The act of formally removing something from active use, often involving dismantling or making it safe.
सेवामुक्त करना, निष्क्रिय करना
decommissioning
NounHard
English: The process of taking a facility, equipment, or weapon system out of active service. Explanation: The act of formally removing something from active use, often involving dismantling or making it safe.
सेवामुक्त करना, निष्क्रिय करना
Examples
The decommissioning of the old power plant will take several years.
"CONJUNCTION" sounds like "CONNECT-JUNCTION," where things connect.
NounHard
English: Skilled experts in a specific field who hold significant power in a government or other organization. Explanation: Individuals who have technical expertise and apply it to governance or management.
तकनीकी विशेषज्ञ
technocrats
NounHard
English: Skilled experts in a specific field who hold significant power in a government or other organization. Explanation: Individuals who have technical expertise and apply it to governance or management.
तकनीकी विशेषज्ञ
Examples
The new government appointed several technocrats to key ministerial positions.
"TECHNO-CRATS" – people with "TECHNO"logical knowledge who are "CRATS" (like bureaucrats, but with tech skills).
NounMedium
English: A detailed plan or design, often for a large-scale project. Explanation: A detailed scheme or plan of action, often serving as a model for future work.
खाका, विस्तृत योजना
blueprint
NounMedium
English: A detailed plan or design, often for a large-scale project. Explanation: A detailed scheme or plan of action, often serving as a model for future work.
खाका, विस्तृत योजना
Examples
The architect presented the blueprint for the new building.
"RE-LINQUISHED" sounds like "RE-LEAVE-WISHED," wishing to leave something behind.
NounHard
English: The action of bringing someone or something under domination or control. Explanation: The act of conquering or bringing under control, often by force.
अधीनता, वशीकरण
subjugation
NounHard
English: The action of bringing someone or something under domination or control. Explanation: The act of conquering or bringing under control, often by force.
अधीनता, वशीकरण
Examples
The empire sought the complete subjugation of its neighbors.
"SUBJUGATION" sounds like "SUB-JUG," putting someone "under the jug" or under control.
VerbMedium
English: To demand and obtain something from someone. Explanation: To demand and get something, especially payment or revenge, or to inflict something.
वसूल करना, मांगना
exact
VerbMedium
English: To demand and obtain something from someone. Explanation: To demand and get something, especially payment or revenge, or to inflict something.
वसूल करना, मांगना
Examples
The war exacted a heavy toll on the population.
Synonyms
demand, extract, inflict, impose, levy, extort
Antonyms
waive, forgo, relinquish, excuse, pardon
Memory Trick
"EXACT" as a verb means to "EXACT" a price, like demanding it precisely.
NounHard
English: The deliberate killing of a large number of people from a particular nation or ethnic group with the aim of destroying that nation or group. Explanation: The systematic and deliberate extermination of a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group.
नरसंहार
genocide
NounHard
English: The deliberate killing of a large number of people from a particular nation or ethnic group with the aim of destroying that nation or group. Explanation: The systematic and deliberate extermination of a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group.
नरसंहार
Examples
The international court is investigating claims of genocide.
Synonyms
massacre, extermination, ethnic cleansing, mass murder, annihilation, pogrom
Antonyms
preservation, protection, fostering, nurturing
Memory Trick
"GENO-CIDE" – "GENO" (race/origin) + "CIDE" (killing), so killing of a race.
NounHard
English: The complete destruction of something. Explanation: The process of getting rid of something completely, especially something harmful.
उन्मूलन, जड़ से मिटाना
eradication
NounHard
English: The complete destruction of something. Explanation: The process of getting rid of something completely, especially something harmful.
उन्मूलन, जड़ से मिटाना
Examples
The goal of the campaign was the eradication of poverty.
"E-RADICATION" sounds like "E-RADICATE," to remove something from its "roots" (radix).
AdjectiveHard
English: Characterized by extreme nationalism, especially as a political ideology. Explanation: Someone who holds extreme nationalistic views, often advocating for aggressive national interests and superiority.
अति-राष्ट्रवादी
ultranationalist
AdjectiveHard
English: Characterized by extreme nationalism, especially as a political ideology. Explanation: Someone who holds extreme nationalistic views, often advocating for aggressive national interests and superiority.
अति-राष्ट्रवादी
Examples
The party's ultranationalist agenda caused concern among neighboring countries.
"ULTRA-NATIONALIST" – "ULTRA" (extreme) + "NATIONALIST" (devotion to one's nation).
NounMedium
English: A thing that is granted, especially in response to demands; a compromise. Explanation: Something that is given up or allowed in order to reach an agreement or settle a dispute.
रियायत, छूट
concession
NounMedium
English: A thing that is granted, especially in response to demands; a compromise. Explanation: Something that is given up or allowed in order to reach an agreement or settle a dispute.
रियायत, छूट
Examples
The company made a concession on salaries to avoid a strike.
"CONCESSION" sounds like "CON-CEDE," to concede or give in.
VerbHard
English: Cause (an event or situation, typically one that is bad or undesirable) to happen suddenly, unexpectedly, or prematurely. Explanation: To make something happen suddenly or sooner than expected, often something negative.
उत्पन्न करना, तेजी लाना
precipitate
VerbHard
English: Cause (an event or situation, typically one that is bad or undesirable) to happen suddenly, unexpectedly, or prematurely. Explanation: To make something happen suddenly or sooner than expected, often something negative.
उत्पन्न करना, तेजी लाना
Examples
The sudden announcement precipitated a stock market crash.
Synonyms
trigger, cause, spark, instigate, accelerate, hasten
Antonyms
delay, hinder, avert, prevent, postpone, defer
Memory Trick
"PRECIPITATE" sounds like "PRE-SIP-IT-ATE," like you're rushing to "sip it" and cause something to happen fast.
NounHard
English: An unintended consequence occurring sometime after an event or action, especially an unwelcome one. Explanation: The consequences or effects of an action or event, especially negative or unwelcome ones.
प्रतिध्वनि, परिणाम
repercussions
NounHard
English: An unintended consequence occurring sometime after an event or action, especially an unwelcome one. Explanation: The consequences or effects of an action or event, especially negative or unwelcome ones.
प्रतिध्वनि, परिणाम
Examples
The scandal had serious repercussions for his career.
"PRE-POSTEROUS" sounds like "PRE-POSTER-US," like an idea so silly it belongs on a funny poster.
PhraseHard
English: A deal in which one sacrifices moral values or one's soul for worldly gain, typically power or knowledge. Explanation: A bargain with the devil, where a person sacrifices their spiritual values for material gain, power, or knowledge.
शैतान से सौदा
Faustian pact
PhraseHard
English: A deal in which one sacrifices moral values or one's soul for worldly gain, typically power or knowledge. Explanation: A bargain with the devil, where a person sacrifices their spiritual values for material gain, power, or knowledge.
शैतान से सौदा
Examples
His rise to power was seen by many as a Faustian pact.
Synonyms
devil's bargain, unholy alliance, desperate deal, moral compromise, pact with evil
Antonyms
ethical agreement, moral stand, principled choice
Memory Trick
"FAUSTIAN PACT" refers to the legend of Faust, who made a deal with the devil. Think "Faust's Pact."
