IN the Israeli-Palestinian conundrum, the United States’ handling of the situation can only be described as a profound disappointment. The US had the capacity to pursue a more impartial path toward a just resolution to the conflict. However, it chose to align with increasingly radical Israeli administration, enabling the harsh subjugation of the Palestinian people and inadvertently contributing to the volatile situation that has finally erupted ferociously. Two recent events have further corroborated the failure of the US foreign policy in the Middle East. The first signal of this misstep was the refusal of Arab States to extend a welcoming hand to President Biden following his visit to Israel this week. This diplomatic cold shoulder struck a resounding blow to American clout in the region.
The second indication came in the form of the US veto to thwart a resolution calling for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. These two events have spotlighted the lamentable state of affairs in which US diplomacy finds itself in the midst of this conflict. The international community has expressed its disappointment and surprise at the US’s decision, stressing the need for a fair and immediate ceasefire. The resolution, presented by Brazil, was aimed to prioritize a ceasefire, reflecting the broadest consensus within the international community. Its purpose was to put an end to the escalating situation in Gaza, where innocent civilians continue to lose their lives and suffer every minute.
The reasons provided by the US for its veto appear implausible. The assertion that the resolution did not acknowledge Israel’s right to self defence holds no basis. Factually speaking, it is clear that there was no conflict between the resolution and Israel’s self defence. This raises concerns about the intentions of the United States in finding a resolution to the conflict. These doubts were further reinforced during US President Biden’s visit to Israel, where he appeared inclined to align with Israel in its military action against Hamas rather than actively pursuing a peaceful solution to the ongoing bloody conflict. Mr Biden further aggravated the tension by adopting the Israeli version on the question of the explosion of Al Ahli Arab hospital, which engulfed more than 500 live. Instead of taking a rather neutral stance, in a perplexing move, President Biden openly accepted the assessment of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: “Based on what I’ve seen, it appears as though it was done by the other team, not you.” This pronouncement not only deepens the perception of the United States aligning itself with Israel at a time of profound distress and heightened concern over the plight of countless innocent Palestinians in Gaza. This was a diplomatic jab that actually infuriated American allies in the Arab World who refused to meet him after his trip to Tel Aviv. This was a big blow to the American diplomacy..
The objective of the resolution was to condemn violence against civilians, acts of terrorism, encourage adherence to law and to ensure unimpeded access to essential goods and services for civilians. Simply its purpose was to protect civilians, provide aid and prevent humanitarian crisis. It represented a call from the global community and an important step towards achieving a ceasefire. However, by vetoing this resolution, the United States has shown disregard for the crisis in Gaza. It has highlighted its double standards on human rights issues. The biased approach of the United States towards the conflict has been a chronic problem and has only contributed to further escalation.
The UNSC and the global community cannot afford to remain idle in the face of such behavior. It is crucial for them to apply pressure and strongly denounce the actions of the United States. For obvious reasons, the rejection of the resolution has sparked global criticism. However, with the US veto power in action again, the hopes of a ceasefire have been shattered. This is not the first time that the United States has used its veto power to block resolutions addressing the Palestinian conflict. The American veto has left the international community feeling frustrated and raising doubts about Washington’s sincerity towards efforts for a lasting peace in the Middle East. The situation in Gaza is dire; both sides of this conflict have suffered thousands of casualties. The recent explosion at a Gaza hospital shocked people globally, which also triggered this UN Security Council vote. The aim of the UNSC resolution was to establish a much-needed pause, for diplomatic negotiations and providing essential aid. Sadly though, this opportunity was wasted by the United States decision.
The longstanding alliance between the United States and Israel, often seen as unbreakable, has influenced the way the Palestinian conflict is approached. At the same time, the domestic political considerations within the US have also added complexity to its role in this conflict. The US government has made the conscious choice to unwaveringly support Israel, a decision that not only hampers its ability to play a mediating role but exacerbates the ongoing crisis. The ramifications of America’s endorsement of Israel extend far beyond this specific conflict, as they fundamentally undermine the credibility and effectiveness of international institutions like the United Nations, which are vital for upholding global peace and security.
It is abundantly clear that the American involvement in this ongoing Palestinian conflict has done little more than sow chaos and exacerbate instability. It is high time for a thorough overhauling of America’s approach and a moment of introspection regarding its role in achieving a lasting resolution to this protracted bloody dispute. The global community’s resounding plea for a ceasefire and humanitarian assistance must not be dismissed. It is a compelling call for America to reconsider its stance and pursue a path that prioritizes peace and the respect for the rights of the Palestinians. It appears that President Biden, possibly in a bid to score political points on the home front, has unveiled a $10 billion commitment to Israel during his White House address. This move is poised to add another layer of complexity to the mounting dissent against the United States’ stance across the globe.
—The writer is political analyst, based in Karachi.
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