Another day, another airstrike. Another tally of the dead. Six killed in Gaza this morning, according to Palestinian medics. Among them: an Al Jazeera cameraman. His name was Fadi al-Wahidi. He was 37. He leaves behind a wife and three children.
The Israelis say they were targeting a Hamas command centre. The usual script. The usual denials. The usual horrors.
Downing Street has issued the usual response. 'We call for restraint. We urge de-escalation. We are deeply concerned.' The Foreign Office has been in touch with 'all parties'. Meaningless words. Empty calories. The kind of diplomatic boilerplate that is written before the bombs fall.
The Lobby is buzzing with whispers. Sources close to the Foreign Secretary say he is 'frustrated' by the lack of progress. He wants a tougher line. But Number 10 is wary. There is an election next year. No one wants to alienate the Jewish vote. Or the Muslim vote. Or anyone with a pulse, really.
The backbenches are restless. Labour MPs are preparing a letter. They want an immediate ceasefire. They want the UK to condemn Israel. But the government is paralysed. Divided. The old fault lines are cracking open.
In Gaza, the funerals are beginning. The cameras are rolling. The world is watching. Again. Meanwhile, in Whitehall, the civil servants are drafting another statement. Another call for restraint. Another nothing.
This is the game. This is the routine. We all know the words. We all know the outcome. The dead are buried. The politicians speak. The world moves on.
Until next time.