Situational: Israel-Palestinian Conflict

Ishtiaq Ahmed

Islamabad: The latest escalation of conflict between Israelis and Palestinians has been brewing and those close to the scene are not surprised with what seems to have transpired but just the scale and the speed of Hamas’s action. The Israelis certainly have been baffled by the capability of Hamas.

The Hamas action and the Israeli response has already accounted for heavy casualties on both sides. Various news reports confirm thus far 600 casualties whilst Aljazeera reported Palestinian casualties at 1300 as Israel pummels Gaza. However, the casualties figures are changing as the conflict between Hamas and Israeli forces continues.

The anticipation is that Israel will use this present situation to further press and oppress Palestinian resistance and encroach on their land. The extent of this will depend on the united response from the Muslim countries and the international community. Of the Muslim world, only Türkiye and Iran have been most vociferous. Türkiye is offering help to de-escalate the situation. Iran has described the Hamas action as ‘self-defense’ and has asked for an urgent meeting of the OIC. Israel and its allies are naturally blaming Iran for sponsoring Hamas action despite Iran’s insistence that it is not involved.

The USA Biden-led administration has pledged a ‘Clad-Iron’ support for Israel despite not having much love for Netanyahu who has declared “Israel was at war” whilst the Biden administration has condemned Hamas’s acts as “unprovoked” and “terrorist”.

Undoubtedly, the present conflict has pushed back any possibility of a peaceful solution to a 76-year dispute.  For Israel to achieve a lasting peaceful existence in the region, it has to acknowledge and accept the inevitability of an independent Palestinian state. At the same time, Arab and other Muslim countries have to accept the existence of Israel as a political reality.

The USA and Britain, the sponsoring nations of Israel, will need a fresh look at their role in getting both sides to agree on a lasting formula for their historical stand-off. In this equation, the role of Saudis is most critical. Can Saudis as the trusted ally of America and the richest Muslim nation come to bear its influence on Americans as well as helping to galvanise Muslim nations to line behind formulae acceptable to Palestinians and Israeli?. I would contend that this is beyond Saudi diplomatic capability. Particularly as the Biden administration is not too happy with the Saudis for leaning towards China.

However, Israel must also recognize that America, the guardian of Israeli interests, is no longer an undisputed world power. The axis of power is rapidly changing with other pretenders to the world order.

For a lasting peace in the region, Israel must concede to the legitimacy of an independent State and for Arab states to unreservedly accept the existence of Israel as an independent State. This will pave the way not only for the Palestinians and Israel to live in peace and flourish but also help to restore peace and security throughout the world.

What is not acceptable is the ongoing oppression of Palestinians and the continuous illegal encroachment of their land. Israel has belligerently disregarded the UN resolutions and have been allowed to get away with it.