Israel has been fighting a murderous war in Gaza for about ten months now. With its ceaseless attack on a populace so defenseless, the army has broken almost every aspect of international humanitarian law. Israel has refused to provide food, water, medication, sanitation, power, fuel, and other basic requirements of life to the Gaza concentration camp. Additionally, the bulk of Gaza’s population is now homeless as a result of its targeting of civilian infrastructure. No Israeli military objective necessitates the complete devastation of Gaza. There is no evident strategic reason for the estimated 40,000 Palestinian deaths and many injuries (maybe as high as 186,000). Nor does the methodical and complete demolition of Gaza’s hospitals, universities, schools, and residential areas. It seems to reason that Israel would seek to take over more than just a bomb zone if it were to invade and absorb Gaza.
Military involvement
Furthermore, although Israel’s actions seem unreasonable, so does the unwavering backing that its closest friend, the United States, has provided. Washington’s claim to protect the international rules-based system has been undermined by its “ironclad” support of the genocide Israel is committing. Many attribute Israel’s egregious irrationality to the humiliation caused by the strike carried out by Hamas on October 7. This over-emotionality hastened the political transition in Israel to the right, where homicidal acts are now publicly celebrated. The language of “peaceful coexistence” has been replaced with pledges of “total victory” made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. One might infer what he could mean by such a statement from history. It has a striking resemblance to the German term Endsieg, which means “final victory” and denotes the accomplishment of the murderous goals of the Nazi government. The similarities are unsettling. Although October 7 may provide insight into Israel’s actions, it does not prove American involvement. Indeed, the United States is a trustworthy bankroller and supporter of Israel, but because of its many foreign interests, it has always been cautious to portray itself as an impartial middleman between the Israelis and the Palestinians until lately. That prudence has disappeared. The US has categorically backed Israel’s devastating onslaught in Gaza at every turn, despite its vacuous calls for “restraint” and a “ceasefire.”
Humanitarian concerns
Washington’s loyalty is remarkable. President Joe Biden has consistently backed Israel from the start of the offensive. However, the US and Israel are two different cultures with sometimes at odds interests. Is it possible that the Israel lobby merely controls the formulation of US foreign policy? There is no denying the strength of organizations like the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC). However, they are only one of several lobbies vying for sway in Washington. Perhaps the US wants the gas resources that are immediately off the coast of Gaza? However, Washington could obtain that gas without instigating and supporting a genocide. A completely equitable yet nonviolent discussion would work. No, none of the aforementioned could possibly explain why, by supporting Israel’s extermination of the Palestinian people, the US is risking gaining such a bad reputation throughout the Middle East and beyond. The topic of multipolarity has been discussed more recently. A scenario in which the US is no longer the world’s dominant power has been forecast by several analysts. Amidst these rumors, the US and Russia suffered defeats and standoffs in Syria and Ukraine, respectively. It left Afghanistan abruptly, which allowed the Taliban to retake control of the country. As a result of the leftward movement of some Latin American regimes, tensions within “America’s backyard” have increased.
Policy shifts
China, the US’s principal adversary, has been making an impact on the world stage in the meanwhile. Beijing is a major player in the international organization BRICS, which was renamed BRICS+ after adding Iran, Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt. In 2023, the People’s Republic made its debut in the Middle East by mediating a ceasefire in Yemen and acting as a mediator between Saudi Arabia and Iran. In other words, America appeared to be losing ground and the world’s preeminent superpower status became increasingly precarious. It sees an opportunity to reclaim Gaza. That’s how America’s participation in Gaza should be interpreted. For what other reason would the United States greatly bolster its armed forces in the Middle East in reaction to a lone, weakly armed strike by Hamas? It is a nervous superpower, anxious to establish its unquestionable superiority. To demonstrate that no one will stop it, it is also flouting even the most fundamental principles of international humanitarian law.
Regional implications
There has been some opposition. Israeli and American soldiers in the area have faced opposition from Iranian supporters. Tehran retaliated against Israel with a huge air strike after high-ranking Iranian officials were killed in Syria. It is anticipated that it would act similarly in response to the murder of Ismail Haniyeh, the head of Hamas. In response to Israeli strikes on Lebanese land that proved fatal, Hezbollah likewise initiated a string of offensives. It is probable that it will follow suit with regard to Food Shukr’s murder.
