ALTHOUGH the large-scale Israeli military campaign in Gaza has subsided following more than two years of intense conflict, the humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian territories remains severe. Military operations, air strikes, blockades and periodic armed confrontations continue to affect Palestinians, particularly in Gaza, where the destruction of civilian infrastructure and the humanitarian situation remain unprecedented. Tens of thousands of Palestinians have been killed, many more have been injured and millions have been displaced since the conflict escalated on 7 October 2023. Large sections of Gaza’s residential areas, hospitals, schools, universities, places of worship and public infrastructure have either been destroyed or severely damaged. Thousands of people are still reported missing, with many believed to remain buried beneath the rubble. The response of the international community has been widely inadequate.
Despite repeated appeals by humanitarian organizations and several member states of the United Nations, the international system has largely failed to halt the violence or ensure meaningful accountability for violations of international humanitarian law. Many observers, legal scholars and international human rights organizations have described the scale of civilian casualties and destruction as raising serious concerns regarding possible war crimes and genocide, matters that continue to be examined by international judicial institutions.
Rather than restraining the conflict, the continued political, military and diplomatic support extended to Israel by several Western governments arguably emboldened Israeli policymakers to widen military operations beyond Gaza, including confrontations with Hezbollah in Lebanon and continued operations in the occupied West Bank. The inability of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to take effective action has further exposed the limitations of the existing international security architecture. Repeated use of the veto by the United States prevented the adoption of several resolutions calling for an immediate ceasefire or stronger international measures to protect civilians. The conflict has also generated an intense debate regarding the credibility of the international human rights system. Critics argue that many Western governments, particularly the United States, the United Kingdom, France and several European allies, have provided Israel with extensive military assistance, diplomatic backing, financial support and political protection throughout the conflict. This support has prompted widespread accusations of double standards in the application of international law and human rights principles. While Western democracies have historically portrayed themselves as champions of human rights and the rule of law, many observers contend that their policies during the Gaza conflict have undermined those very principles.
The paralysis of the United Nations has once again demonstrated the structural weaknesses of the organization. The dominance of the five permanent members of the UNSC, each possessing veto power, continues to limit the organization’s ability to respond impartially to major international crises. For many countries of the Global South, the Gaza conflict has reinforced long-standing concerns that the United Nations often reflects the geopolitical interests of powerful states rather than serving as an impartial guardian of international peace and justice.
Since its establishment in 1945, the United Nations has played a significant role in conflict resolution across the world. Nevertheless, critics argue that several long-standing disputes rooted in colonial legacies remain unresolved. Among the oldest issues on the UN agenda are Palestine and Jammu and Kashmir. Both conflicts originated during the final phase of British colonial rule and continue to generate regional instability. Many analysts contend that geopolitical interests have prevented the implementation of relevant UN resolutions, prolonging the suffering of the affected populations. US always stood with Zionist State; “You’re not alone. As long as the United States stands—and we will stand forever—we will not let you ever be alone.”
Beyond the Western powers, the response of the Muslim world has also attracted considerable criticism. Although numerous Muslim-majority states condemned the Israeli military campaign, critics argue that their collective response remained largely limited to diplomatic statements and humanitarian assistance. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), despite holding multiple emergency meetings, has failed to formulate an effective collective strategy capable of influencing the policies of major powers or bringing sustained diplomatic pressure to end the conflict.
Many observers believe that geopolitical divisions, economic dependencies and strategic calculations among member states limited the organization’s effectiveness. Several Arab governments continue to pursue strategic partnerships with the United States and maintain varying degrees of engagement with Israel despite widespread public sympathy for the Palestinian cause. Critics argue that these policies have weakened collective Muslim diplomacy and reduced the leverage of regional organizations in addressing the Palestinian question.
The Palestinian issue remains one of the central political and humanitarian challenges facing the contemporary Middle East. Securing the legitimate political rights of the Palestinian people, ensuring their security and dignity and working towards a just and lasting settlement remain important responsibilities for both regional and international actors. Lasting peace will ultimately depend upon meaningful negotiations, adherence to international law, accountability for violations committed by all parties and renewed international commitment to a negotiated political solution.
The Gaza conflict has also intensified broader regional debates concerning security, sovereignty and the future geopolitical order of the Middle East. Some analysts argue that Israel’s expanding regional influence, supported by strong Western alliances, reflects a long-term strategic vision aimed at consolidating its political and military dominance. Whether these developments contribute to regional stability or generate further instability will largely depend upon future diplomatic initiatives, the effectiveness of international institutions and the willingness of all parties to pursue a sustainable and equitable peace.
— The writer is Professor of Politics and IR at International Islamic University, Islamabad.
