In 2023, Palestinian history may come to reflect a resolute stance against long-standing colonial oppression, echoing a vehement defence of their homes, humanity and existence. Over the span of more than a century, Palestinians have grappled with the effects of what is called as settler colonial violence. Throughout this protracted struggle, the Palestinian people have not only endured but thrived. The act of resistance, rather than being framed as a mere right, is portrayed as an inherent mode of existence and a means of survival, deeply ingrained in the Palestinian experience. This year may, therefore, be remembered as a pivotal moment in the ongoing historical narrative of Palestinian resilience.
Over time, the jargon employed to describe the conflict has evolved from the Arab-Israel War to the Palestine-Israel War and, more recently, the Gaza-Israel War. Notably, the “Al-Aqsa Operation” undertaken by Hamas underscores the broader implications of the conflict, extending beyond the territorial confines of Palestine, given the deep-seated attachment of the entire Muslim Ummah to the Al-Aqsa mosque. An additional significant facet of this conflict is the distinctdivision within Israeli society, characterized by the split between power-oriented Jewish factions and the liberal/secular Jewish segments. At present, the right-wing Israeli government, propelled by a vision of racial supremacy, appears to be resolutely committed to what some have described as the ethnic cleansing of the indigenous Palestinian population, casting a grim shadow over the ongoing dynamics of this protracted conflict.
The prevailing myth of Israel’s invincibility in matters of defence was punctured by the audacious Hamas attack, revealing Israel as less formidable than previously believed – akin to a “paper tiger.” Israel’s ideology, which projects a sense of superiority and chosen-ness, may have engendered a degree of hubris. Therefore, the crux of the issue lies not in Israel’s intelligence or defence systems, but in the rigidity of its racial ideology, which has remained impervious to transformation. In contrast, the Palestinian populace has been galvanized by an unyielding motivation rooted in their fervent desire for land, freedom and the reclamation of their dignity, ultimately aimed at terminating the protracted occupation and the attendant humiliations. A central belief of their collective consciousness is the willingness to face death with dignity, as opposed to subsisting under prolonged occupation and disgrace. The statement, “It’s never been resistance that protects the people of Gaza; it’s the people of Gaza that protect the resistance,” encapsulates the core ethos of their struggle, underscoring the symbiotic relationship between the common people and their resistance movements. This conviction reflects a resilient determination that transcends conventional notions of defence.
A vital commonality among the United States’ political establishment, encompassing both the Democratic and Republican parties, is their connection to the Israeli Jewish lobby. It is undeniable that Israel represents an essential military extension of U.S. influence within the Middle East, owing to its strategic significance and its status as the sole dependable regional partner for the United States. President Joe Biden’s speech, wherein he expressed solidarity with Israel while remaining evidently silent on the plight of Palestinian civilians, particularly children, women and the elderly, has raised concerns of Western hypocrisy. Furthermore, the recent visit of US Secretary of State Blinken to Israel, characterized by his reference to himself as a Jew, amplifies the message of a deep-rooted and strategic partnership between the two nations. Western nations and their corporate media often depict Israel as the sole bastion of democracy in the Middle East. However, the assertion by Israel’s Defence Minister that “We are putting a complete siege on Gaza … No electricity, no food, no water, no gas – it’s all closed” challenges this notion. Such actions call into question the alignment of such policies with democratic principles, raising concerns about the compatibility of this approach with democratic values.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has had repercussions on the diplomatic normalization process between Saudi Arabia and Israel. President Joe Biden had regarded this normalization as a significant foreign policy achievement during his next election campaign, as his domestic accomplishments seem to be as ordinary. However, the Israel-Gaza crisis and the Russia-Ukraine war have failed to yield concrete positive outcomes that could be leveraged in upcoming elections. Furthermore, the loss of 11 American lives in an attack by Hamas adds to the challenges facing the Biden Administration. Several months prior, China facilitated a diplomatic breakthrough between Saudi Arabia and Iran, prompting the US to intensify efforts to expedite the normalization process between Saudi Arabia and Israel. These developments collectively contribute to the evolving dynamics of global geopolitics and US foreign policy objectives.
The recent G20 meeting witnessed India introducing a new trade route as a response to China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This new corridor would navigate the Middle East, including Israel and culminate in Europe. The ongoing Gaza-Israel conflict has the potential to impact this development, as regional instability may disrupt trade flows and investments. Simultaneously, international actors have exerted pressure on Pakistan to normalize relations with Israel. However, the current situation, compounded by the Gaza-Israel conflict, is likely to reduce such efforts. A two-state solution, supported by both Pakistan and Turkey, remains the most viable option for the Palestinian people. This approach represents an international consensus that can lead to a sustainable resolution of the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
In the realm of public opinion and diplomacy, the Palestinians have effectively advanced their narrative through the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement. Nevertheless, some Arab leaders harbour reservations about Hamas, often rooted in their own political constraints and agenda. To mitigate the humanitarian crisis stemming from the Gaza-Israel conflict, a collaborative effort by Egypt, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan is imperative. By providing vital humanitarian aid, these nations can contribute significantly to alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian people and restoring stability to the region. The current Gaza-Israel conflict is a complex issue with multifaceted ramifications extending beyond the immediate region. The international community, along with regional stakeholders, must work collectively to address the underlying causes and consequences, seeking a just and lasting resolution for all parties which lies under two states solution.
—The writer is a lecturer of politics and research officer at Institute of Policy Studies, Islamabad.
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