Tag: Palestine

  • Biden Pushes for Ceasefire in Gaza

    Biden Pushes for Ceasefire in Gaza

    Israel’s war on Gaza is continuing without an end in sight. More than a war, it’s easy to describe it as Israel’s rage against Hamas for killing their citizens and taking their people as hostages, affecting the civilians of Gaza. It’s emotional, sentimental, and religious. The world is split, with protests occurring from New York to Australia, and social media filled with hate comments. Several movements advocate for a truce, but Israel is determined to achieve complete control over Gaza and demolish Hamas from their territory. However, protests are also fuming in Israel, coupled with the prolonged war and fear about hostages, along with demands for post-war plans from the coalition government, creating disturbances for Israel.

    In the latest development, the US is now working seriously towards a ceasefire in Gaza, as it faces humiliation due to its weakened power over Israel and its commitment to human rights. With the US elections six months away, many expect that Biden will lose votes due to poor performance on the Israel issue, with Democrats anticipating a loss of support from Arab Americans and young voters. This is troubling for Biden, and they are finally making some reliable moves for a ceasefire in Gaza.

    During a news conference at the White House on Friday afternoon, President Biden stated that Israel has put forward a comprehensive new proposal to end the war, which serves as a roadmap to an enduring ceasefire. Israel has agreed to a proposal that would lead to a lasting ceasefire in Gaza. Biden explained that the proposal involves three phases extending over months. The first phase would last six weeks and include a full and complete ceasefire in Gaza, as well as the withdrawal of Israeli forces from all populated areas of Gaza. Furthermore, the initial phase would entail the release of several captives held in Gaza, including women and the elderly. In exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in Israel, humanitarian aid would be provided to Gaza. Israel faces deep pressure from within for delaying the rescue of captives. Biden also noted the presence of American hostages who would be released at this stage. He mentioned that Qatar, acting as an intermediary for Islamic terrorist organizations, had transmitted the proposal to Hamas.

    In the second phase, which also lasts six weeks, all remaining hostages would be released, Israel would completely withdraw from Gaza, and both parties would commit to a lasting truce. Finally, a reconstruction plan for Gaza would begin in phase three of the proposal, and the remains of any captives killed would be returned to their families. This plan appears feasible for both parties in the current scenario.

    Hamas, which created all the dilemma and actively tried for a ceasefire in Gaza and proposed a deal previously with the help of Qatar and Egypt, said it welcomed Biden’s remarks and his call for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from the Gaza Strip, reconstruction, and prisoner exchange. The group also said it was ready to respond “Positively and Constructively” to any proposal that includes those measures – as well as the return of displaced Palestinians to their homes in Gaza. They consider it a win for them because they conducted Jihad, and Israel and their well-known agencies can’t free the hostages who are kept by Hamas. 

    But on the Israeli side, it’s not easy. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated that he authorized the country’s negotiating team to present a proposal aiming to secure the release of captives held in Gaza. Currently, Israel considers the immediate release of hostages important. However, the Prime Minister also stated that Israel will persist with the war until all its objectives are met, including the destruction of Hamas’s military and governing capabilities. The prime minister said Israel’s conditions for ending the war have not changed: the destruction of Hamas’s military and governing capabilities, the freeing of all hostages, and ensuring that Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel.

    However, Netanyahu  is facing growing pressure from his military and intelligence chiefs, as well as the centrist members of his war cabinet, to outline a plan for administering and rebuilding Gaza when the war ends. Benny Gantz, a major rival who joined Netanyahu’s emergency unity government after 7 October, has said he will resign if the prime minister does not commit to a “Day After” plan by a deadline of 8 June. And there will be huge backlash from the Right wings too, for ending war without completely destroying Hamas. There are many who consider a ceasefire in Gaza itself a defeat.  It’s expected that the post-war situation will be challenging for Netanyahu as a leader because of a lot of corruption accusations against him. So many don’t believe the move from Israel is reliable, and it’s just a wish from Biden. The US national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, reportedly concluded from a visit to the region that he did not believe Netanyahu could or would commit to a long-term peace process.

    Biden’s announcement came as efforts to reach a ceasefire in Gaza have faltered amid the Israeli military’s push into the southern Gaza city of Rafah. The Israeli siege, which has led to dire shortages of food, water, and other humanitarian supplies, has spurred warnings of famine, but Israel is actually not looking to end the war immediately, or Netanyahu cannot do that now. It’s expected that the Gaza war will drag on for another seven months at least, but it will badly hurt Biden’s re-election prospects, who are already facing criticism for poor foreign involvement. While Biden pushes for Israel to agree to the plan, members of Netanyahu’s coalition government will disagree with the proposal and call for the war to continue. This situation makes it complex, so it is expected to once again highlight the weakness of the US government under Biden and it will continue the punishment for Gaza.

  • Will More Recognition Make Palestinian Statehood A Reality?

    Will More Recognition Make Palestinian Statehood A Reality?

    The core of the Israel-Palestine issue is religion, a very sentimental issue, but everyone outside these religious fundamentalisms finds a two-state solution feasible: Israel for Jews and Palestine for Muslims – two independent states. Plans for this have existed since the beginning of the conflict. While the 1948 plan for Arab statehood was supported by Israel, it was rejected by the Arabs, who sought full control of the land in the name of Palestine. Now, Palestine is suffering for that bad decision. It is widely understood that the lack of statehood or UN membership for Palestine is one of the main reasons there are no significant diplomatic efforts to quickly resolve Israel’s war in Gaza. Since it is a conflict within Israel’s borders, other countries have limits on intervening in their domestic matters. Many believe that recognizing Palestine, which includes Gaza and the West Bank, as an independent country would make Israel and Palestine equal and help avoid further conflicts.

    However, unlike in 1948, Israel is not ready to recognize Palestine in modern times, and it has influenced Western countries to refrain from recognizing Palestine. Islamic countries, as well as Asian, African, and Latin American countries, have previously recognized Palestine, but until Israel does, Palestinian statehood remains distant. Mutual reluctance to acknowledge each other’s existence, a highly fragmented Palestinian leadership, and the rising influence of terrorist organizations like Hamas have nearly ended the scope of the two-state solution. However, in a turn of events, some European countries with strong ties to the United States and Israel are now moving to recognize Palestine, providing a significant blow to Israel and hope for Palestine.

    The Norwegian, Spanish, and Irish governments have made headlines by announcing their intention to recognize the state of Palestine, and they have commenced actions for diplomatic procedures. These European countries, which have traditionally allied with the United States and have strong diplomatic relationships with Israel, are now choosing not to follow the usual pattern of Western countries that align with the United States. Although European Union countries like Poland, Hungary, Romania, the Czech Republic, and Sweden, as well as NATO member states like Turkey, have previously recognized Palestine, Western European countries have generally avoided doing so. The recent decisions by these three governments, Norway, Spain and Ireland, to recognize Palestine were influenced by their respective policies and increasing protests against Israel’s actions in solidarity with Gaza.

    Norway, which has always advocated for human rights, decided to recognize Palestine in connection with the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. They have shown interest in this issue for years, having hosted the Israeli-Palestinian peace negotiations in the early 1990s that resulted in the Oslo Accords, which gave Palestine sovereignty over the West Bank and Gaza. Norway has played a crucial role in Middle East diplomacy. Amid the Gaza conflict, Norway emphasized that recognizing Palestine is essential to support moderate voices. Prime Minister, Jonas Gahr Støre, advocated for a two-state solution and peaceful coexistence.

    Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, a leftist leader who has been vocal against Israel’s actions for months, has frequently accused Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, of carrying out a “massacre” in Gaza and jeopardizing the two-state solution. These statements are usually not expected from Western leaders, and his actions are seen as a continuation of his statements.

    The third country following this momentum is the Republic of Ireland. The Irish Prime Minister, Simon Harris, expects other countries to join Ireland, Spain, and Norway in recognizing a Palestinian state in the coming weeks. However, he also supports Israel’s call for neighborhood safety and the return of hostages

    While these government decisions are made in the context of the ongoing Gaza war, experts believe that Hamas’ attacks on Israel and Israel’s retaliation have severely affected Palestine’s statehood dreams. When the Abraham Accords, brokered by the Trump administration, prospered and Arab countries increasingly started to recognize Israel, many believed it would lead to peace in the region. There were even reports that Saudi Arabia, the big, rich, powerful Arab country, was closer to starting official relations with Israel and demanded recognition of Palestine from Israel. That was the best move for Palestine to date. Many believe that if the momentum induced by Trump in the Israel-Arab relationship had continued, or if there were a second Trump administration, there would be a high chance for Palestine’s statehood in return for Saudi Arabia and others recognizing Israel and more treaties in the region regarding safety.  But this collapsed when Iran-linked Hamas, the rulers of Gaza, conducted a terrorist attack in Israel. Now Israel believes that even with its recognition, Hamas will still pose a threat to Israel, and tragic incidents like October 7th will happen again. So there is no chance for giving recognition to Palestine in return for normalization with Saudi Arabia. Additionally, during the flourishing of the Abraham Accords, there were reports that Western countries like the UK were likely to recognize Palestine, which would have been a huge leap for Palestinian statehood.

    Now, three important European states have unilaterally decided to recognize Palestinian statehood. Though the movement may not immediately bring about the realization of a Palestinian state, as of now, around 140 of the 193 UN member states have recognized Palestinian statehood and yet Palestine has not been established. However, there will be several political impacts.  For Israel, amidst protests about prolonged war, Israelis are now aware that their country is increasingly being treated as a pariah and becoming ever more diplomatically isolated. Western countries, the long term allies are also ready to work against them. A big warning for Israel. In Europe, this movement will further deepen political divisions, as there are predictions of far-right progress in upcoming general elections, with most of them harboring animosity towards Muslims and migrants. In Spain, the split will further evolve due to serious discontent over the President’s recent actions. Therefore, there will be political implications for these countries in both domestic and international politics. For Palestine, the free state will only work with the recognition of Israel; otherwise, there is no chance. The Western European countries that recognize Palestine will merely add some numbers to their supporter’s list.

  • Does ICC’s Arrest Warrant Against Netanyahu Matter?

    Does ICC’s Arrest Warrant Against Netanyahu Matter?

    Gaza is crumbling into rubble in revenge by Israel. For approximately 1,200 Israeli citizens’ lives, 35,000 Palestinian lives have been taken by Israel, and the violence persists. It is found that no one can rein in Netanyahu’s wish to completely destroy Hamas and harshly punish Hamas-supporting civilians in Gaza. Ceasefire talks are looking completely halted now. The United Nations has proven once again to be a waste of money. On this occasion, where the world can’t do anything except watch the wrath of Israel, an important move happened in the International Criminal Court (ICC). The Chief Prosecutor, Karim Khan, has demanded the arrest of Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other important leaders of Israel and Hamas.

    The International Criminal Court (ICC) is a permanent tribunal with jurisdiction for prosecuting individuals for charges such as international crimes, crimes against humanity, genocides, wars, aggression, and more. With headquarters in The Hague, Netherlands, and more than 120 member states, it is considered a major step towards justice and human rights. Even though it was formed just two decades ago in 2002 as a continuation of the Rome Statute, it has faced severe criticism for being Eurocentric, racist, and biased. Many people have criticized the ICC as an organization that targets leaders of third-world countries and authoritarian regimes. Many believe it is another useless body like the United Nations. However, recently, at a time when the world seeks intervention from an international body to stop the bloody conflict between Israel and Palestine, the ICC has taken an important step against these leaders. This marks the first of its kind from the ICC against a Western-style democracy.

    In a predicted vitriolic response, the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, reacted to the accusations by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against him and the Israeli Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant. Netanyahu’s response was filled with evasions as he called the proposed charges “An attempt to deny Israel the basic right of self-defense”. The Israeli government does not recognize either operation in Gaza as a war; they are simply operating against a devastating terrorist organization, which is a proven threat to their people. Netanyahu stated that they are conducting the operation in accordance with all laws and claimed that Israel had taken unprecedented measures to ensure humanitarian assistance reaches those in need in Gaza. However, this claim is deemed unfounded in light of the evidence showing Israel’s obstruction of the delivery of food, medicine, and other vital supplies to the civilian population of Gaza, leading to famine and malnutrition in certain areas of the region. Israel’s claim does not seem to have impressed its biggest ally, the US, which has suggested making a port near Gaza to pass aid to Gaza and has often condemned the Netanyahu government for obstructing humanitarian aid and its some aid workers also killed in Israel’s attacks. In his reply to the ICC’s move, Netanyahu also played the usual card of antisemitism, accusing Khan of “Callously pouring gasoline on the fires of antisemitism that are raging across the world” and claiming that “Khan takes his place among the great antisemitism in modern times”.

    The US followed suit; Joe Biden called the charges “Outrageous”, and the equivalence of Israel and Hamas made him even more angry. The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, downplayed. The US government had long opposed the power granted to the court by its founding Rome Treaty to prosecute crimes committed in the territory of member states by nationals of non-member states, but Biden did not express any anger or confusion about welcoming ICC charges against the Russian President, Vladimir Putin, for war crimes in Ukraine. The United States and Israel’s mood were echoed by European countries, the majority of which are member states unlike the US and Israel. The German government repeated the “False Equivalence” charge, criticizing treating the Democratic state of Israel and the notorious terrorist organization, Hamas, the same. Acknowledging the autonomy and significance of the International Criminal Court, certain European governments, particularly France and Belgium, have issued statements endorsing it. While all major European leaders accepted the arrest warrant for Putin over war crimes in Ukraine, the government’s response this time has been more muted. The double standard is clear.

    The whole scenario with ICC started with the petition filed by South Africa alleging Israel was breaching the genocide convention. The ICC’s chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, a British lawyer, has applied for warrants for the arrest of five people in connection with events in Gaza and Israel since Hamas’s October 7 attacks. Khan stated that he had “Reasonable grounds to believe” three Hamas leaders,  Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed Deif, and Ismail Haniyeh, bore criminal responsibility for war crimes and crimes against humanity, including extermination, murder, taking hostages, rape and sexual violence, torture, and cruel treatment. Furthermore, Khan declared that he had “Reasonable grounds to believe” that Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli Prime Minister, and Yoav Gallant, the Israeli Defense Minister, bear legal responsibility for war crimes committed during the ongoing conflict. These alleged crimes include “Starvation of civilians as a method of warfare”, intentionally directing attacks against a civilian population, and “Extermination and murder,” including deaths caused by starvation. Netanyahu, Gallant, and Hamas have all rejected these allegations.

    The application now proceeds to one of the ICC’s pre-trial chambers for consideration by a panel of three judges. The arrest warrants may be approved in full, in part, or rejected. Many argue that the ICC doesn’t have much power because it lacks support from superpowers like the United States, Russia, China, and India. Though the blame will fall on Netanyahu’s shoulders if he is issued a warrant. That’s why US politicians threatened sanctions against ICC officials when the Trump administration was in charge. The Biden administration is willing to work in the same way with Congress to potentially impose sanctions against International Criminal Court officials over the prosecutor’s request for arrest warrants for Israeli leaders regarding the Gaza war. The US knows that even though it’s a mere body, the description of war will completely change after the ICC moves for the arrests of the Israeli Prime Minister.

    Although Israel never ratified the court’s founding treaty, the ICC-recognized state of Palestine did sign up, and the court has jurisdiction over nationals of member states and crimes committed in their territory. The 124 states that do, however, are obliged to honor court arrest warrants if they are issued, which could severely curtail the ability of Netanyahu and Gallant to travel abroad. It is expected that the ICC’s arrest warrant will further deepen the country’s growing international isolation over its conduct in the war in Gaza. At the same time, domestic politicians support the president. Many in Israel, including staunch critics of Netanyahu, are outraged by what they see as a false equivalence between a terrorist organization and a democratically elected government. In the short term, it may well rally domestic support for the unpopular Prime minister.

  • China’s Efforts for Palestine and Its Effects in the Middle East

    China’s Efforts for Palestine and Its Effects in the Middle East

    As over six months have passed since Hamas attack on Israel and Israel’s ongoing retaliation, we understand some important trends. Firstly, neither Israel nor Hamas currently wishes for a ceasefire. Secondly, the US doesn’t hold much power over Israel. Indeed, Biden has asked several times for a ceasefire in Gaza, though Israel doesn’t seem to obey it. In the latest development, the US has warned that they will stop providing weapons, but Israel seems unfazed. If the United States can’t take action, Europe remains merely an observer. Saudi Arabia and Iran have demonstrated their weakness in international politics. Russia, engaged in another unending war, likely won’t be inclined to talk peace. India appears to be leaning heavily towards Israel. Qatar, the usual Muslim intermediary, has failed in its efforts. So, who is left to conduct mediation talks on the world stage? We’ve overlooked one significant player: China, rising super power.

    The Soviet Union, once the second pole, was the biggest supporter of Palestine, but they don’t exist now. After three decades of a power vacuum created by the disintegration of the Soviet Union, now we have a significant contender: the dragon, China. During the time of the power vacuum, many things happened in Palestinian politics. The first was the split in administration between the West Bank and Gaza, which severely weakened Palestine. Sensing a diplomatic opening, Chinese President Xi Jinping is stepping up China’s intervention in the Middle East crisis. Beijing’s primary aim is to facilitate reconciliation between the two primary Palestinian factions: the secular Fatah and the Islamist Hamas. Last week, it hosted talks between these two groups. Palestinian unity is seen by China as the most probable and practical solution for Palestine. If Palestine becomes a recognizable country, they will gain more power, and probably China can lead them to more positions in the UN and other bodies. If China accomplishes this, there is no doubt China will be the winner in the Middle East. There has been actual improvement with China’s mediatory efforts. Musa Abu Marzouk, the head of Hamas’s international relations office, stated in a Sunday interview that he anticipates Fatah and Hamas returning to Beijing soon for a second round of talks. He also disclosed that Hamas had wanted China, Russia, and Turkey to act as co-guarantors of any peace deal between Hamas and Israel, signaling Hamas’s distrust of the US’s inability or unwillingness.

    Some analysts perceive China’s engagement as an attempt to supplant the US’s traditional role in between Israel and Palestine. However, China regards its actions as a continuation of the role it played last year in resolving the nine-year diplomatic standoff between Saudi Arabia and Iran. China’s good fortune may be its timing. There is a weak administration currently in the US, and even Japan’s president said last month that the US is in doubt on their own world leader role. In this situation, the initiative made by China is a more practical way to bring about change in Palestine and establish an authorized body as the first step in negotiations with Israel. Both Fatah and Hamas find themselves in difficult situations. Fatah has become significantly unpopular, while Hamas is actively hunted by Israel. Both parties are in need of peace and a resolution. However, there are many hurdles. Just prior to the negotiations, Hamas launched a critique against the new Fatah-led government in the West Bank, asserting that it was not consulted on its formation. Fatah hit back, saying it had not been consulted about Hamas’s attack on Israel. But if they all get into the structure of government and show some unity, they can be presented to Israel for more talks.  As China can fix the Saudi Arabia-Iran issue they can fix this also. 

    The Gaza conflict resulted in a strengthening of China’s pro-Palestinian stance in the Middle East. Within a week of the Hamas attack on 7th October, the Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, described Israel’s bombardment of civilians in Gaza as actions that “have gone beyond the scope of self-defense” in a call with the Saudi Foreign Minister, Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud. Xi commented on the crisis after the Third Belt and Road Forum in late October. He restated China’s long-standing support for a two-state solution and pushed for the creation of a humanitarian corridor to aid the Gaza Strip. In February, Beijing pressed the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to weigh in on the legality of Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian Territories, which China deemed unlawful. It appears that China is exerting more effort compared to what is being contributed by so-called Muslim allies.

    China has been a net importer of oil since 1993, with about half coming from the Middle East. China has become reliant on a region that the US continues to dominate. But as per latest geopolitical happenings, The Middle East now feels the advantage of having an alternative to Washington’s supremacy. Gulf states are heavily investing in China, driven by their desire to free themselves from oil dependence, wean themselves off their over-dependence on the US, and embrace emerging countries, industries, and markets. The US is resisting this trend, for instance, challenging Middle Eastern countries not to invest in Huawei. One of the factors driving Washington’s desire to strike normalization deals with Saudi Arabia is the belief that it can help marginalize Chinese influence in sensitive security and energy sectors. Though, as part of the power game, China now gives hope to Palestine and peace lovers through their efforts.

  • Saudi Arabia’s Strategic Approach to Gaza Challenges

    Saudi Arabia’s Strategic Approach to Gaza Challenges

    Following Israel, Saudi Arabia stands as the United States’ foremost ally in the Middle East. The connection between the kingdom and Washington is robust and intimate, with both entities walking hand in hand towards shared goals. However, Saudi Arabia, the land of Mohammed, the site of Mecca and Medina, a country that still upholds strict Sharia law and one of the largest funders of Islamist organizations always says about a commitment to Palestine. The question arises: How long can they continue to turn their face against their fellow Muslim brothers in Gaza? The issue in Palestine has never been solely between Palestine and Israel, two countries, but has always been perceived as a conflict between Muslims and Jews, thus garnering global attention. Saudi Arabia, considering itself as the leader of Muslims, has faced significant criticism for its inaction regarding Palestine. However, recent developments suggest that Saudi Arabia is strategically moving to gain more benefits from the United States by staying with them in the Israel-Palestine conflict.

    Saudi Arabia still doesn’t have a formal relationship with Israel, even though the United States is the primary ally of both Saudi Arabia and Israel. Saudi Arabia cooperated with the Arab League against Israel in the initial years of the Arab-Israeli conflicts. However, they played only minor roles in the series of wars. Even though Hamas and Palestine maintain stronger ties to Saudi Arabia’s rivals, Iran and Qatar, Saudi Arabia did not try to publicly align with Israel, not even during the Trump administration when Saudi Arabia’s allies like the UAE and Bahrain established formal ties with Israel. However, business between them gained momentum as Saudi Arabia’s allies established diplomatic relations with Israel. But all the progress was lost when Hamas attacked Israel on October 7th of last year. The Hamas attack, Israel’s retaliation, and perceived poor administration from the US under Biden have brought the Israel-Saudi Arabia relationship to a standstill. Some even doubt if the Hamas attack on Israel was orchestrated by Iran and Russia to halt Israel-Saudi Arabia talks. If an axis develops among the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Israel, other players will be thrown out of the scenario. However, now there is widespread anger among the Muslim population against Israel, including in Saudi Arabia. Due to strict laws, protests are unlikely, yet criticism is high as the Saudi government hasn’t intervened. Meanwhile, Iran and Turkey are using the situation to assert their roles as advocates for Islam and leaders of the Muslim world.

    Saudi Arabia is actually strategically maneuvering its position. The kingdom is presently focused on diminishing its reliance on Israel while leveraging the circumstances to secure more favorable terms with the United States. Despite encountering criticism from certain segments of the Muslim world, Saudi Arabia perceives this strategy as advantageous. With no ceasefire in Gaza and strong opposition from Benjamin Netanyahu’s Israeli government to a Palestinian state, the Saudis are now pushing for a more streamlined alternative. Which is excluding Israel from the deals with the United States. This alternative involves bilateral defense pacts, US assistance in developing Saudi Arabia’s civil nuclear energy sector, and significant collaboration in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence. Under Riyadh’s proposal, these agreements would not require Israel’s approval. The United States is cautious about involving Israel at this stage, fearing that Saudi Arabia might pivot towards alignment with China or Russia, which could undermine US dominance in the region and have significant economic repercussions. While the exclusion of Israel from these agreements will impact Israel, it is expected that Israeli businesses will shift to the US. A formal offer would be extended to Israel, proposing Saudi normalization, a significant objective in Israeli foreign policy, in exchange for definitive steps towards establishing a Palestinian state encompassing Gaza and the West Bank. The US aimed for this offer to become a focal point in Israeli politics, particularly during elections following the potential collapse of the Netanyahu government. 

    Saudi Arabia, one of the powerhouse of the Middle East,  ranks as the world’s second-largest oil producer after the United States and the second-largest GDP in the Middle East, trailing only Turkey. They are in an effort to transition from strict Islamic laws to a more economy-oriented perspective involving substantial investments in media, tourism, and sports. Furthermore, they aspire to host prestigious global events such as the FIFA World Cup and Olympics on their soil, underscoring their prioritizations. The support of the United States will ensure that Saudi Arabia can achieve this endeavor. However, a less assertive stance on the Gaza situation has the potential to tarnish Saudi Arabia’s reputation as the leader of Islamic states. On the other hand, it aids the United States in intensifying efforts to bolster bilateral trade, enhance security partnerships, and promote technological advancements, including the establishment of a uranium processing plant. Concerns regarding the kingdom’s human rights record and women’s rights issues, which no longer seem to trouble the United States. Instead, they aim to maintain a close alliance with Saudi Arabia, And that Saudi Arabia is keenly aware of.

  • What Led Turkey to Suspend Trade with Israel?

    What Led Turkey to Suspend Trade with Israel?

    The encampment protests for Gaza are making huge waves around the globe. Western nations like the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia are witnessing the protests on a large scale, and countries like Colombia are openly starting to criticize Israel. On this occasion, there was criticism that many protests are not visible from Muslim countries, especially from the Middle East. However, now Turkey, which claims Ottoman hereditary so proudly under the Islamist politician Recep Tayyip Erdogan, is taking strong actions against Israel by halting all trades with Israel and accusing it of humanitarian tragedy in Gaza. Turkey’s decision is a huge and brave step, considering Turkey had an amicable relationship with Israel and is a NATO member and ally of the United States. Historically, Turkey recognized Israel when they announced independence, while many Muslim countries were reluctant to do so. The fruitful relationship started to sour during the Erdogan regime and was taken to its lowest level by Turkey’s imposition of a trade embargo, overthrowing trade agreements, and foreign relations in the area.

    Turkey’s trade ministry announced late on Thursday that export and import transactions related to Israel have been stopped, covering all products. The ministry emphasized that these measures would be strictly and decisively implemented until the Israeli government ensures an uninterrupted and sufficient flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza. Turkey’s trade ministry had previously announced restrictions on exports to Israel in early April, halting the export of iron and steel products and construction equipment. The decision has a huge economic impact because as of 2023, the two countries had a trade volume of $6.8 billion. This trade embargo by Turkey will also cause harm to the Turkish economy, as Turkey’s exports mostly go to western countries with close ties to Israel, and Israel itself is a top importer of Turkish goods. And as expected, Israel drew strong criticism of Turkey’s decision. Israel’s foreign minister, Israel Katz, accused Turkey’s president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, of acting like a “Dictator” in response to the reported restrictions. This dispute is likely to deepen tensions between the two former close allies. Katz accused Erdoğan of “Violating agreements by obstructing ports for Israeli imports and exports” alleging that he disregards the interests of Turkish citizens and businessmen, and ignores international trade agreements. Katz also stated that Israel would attempt to replace any lost products through local production and imports from other countries. Last month, he had criticized Erdoğan for publicizing his latest meeting in Istanbul with the head of Hamas’s politburo, Ismail Haniyeh.

    The reason behind Turkey’s decision, or Erdogan’s decision, is political. Turkey knows this action could sour relationships with Israel and, consequently, the West. However, the West will not take any action against Turkey now. There are several reasons for this. There is global sentiment against civilian killings in Gaza, which is also present in the West. Following the killings of aid workers and university protests, Western media are not actively supporting Israel anymore; they are maintaining a neutral stance instead of siding against Hamas, the terrorist organization responsible for brutal killings in Israel and taking hostages. This shift in Western mindset is providing Erdogan with a sense of security, as there is support for Turkey’s decision among Western populations. It’s evident that there is significant sentiment among Muslims worldwide in support of fellow Muslims in Palestine, and there is also resentment toward wealthy Gulf countries that have not taken significant steps to support Palestine, despite their close ties with Israel and the US. Erdogan can leverage this sentiment to portray himself as a true Ottoman leader, as he desires. As a seasoned politician, Erdogan can navigate this sentiment to push his agenda of Islamism In Turkey, especially as the country’s opposition makes progress and wins elections. He sees an opportunity and frames it well, presenting it at the opportune moment. So, this action will definitely impact Turkish domestic politics where Erdogan faces challenges.

    Israel’s revenge mission for the deaths of 1,136 Israeli citizens on October 7th and the taking of about 250 people hostage shows no signs of stopping nearby. The Israeli military is currently in Gaza and has bombarded the territory, resulting in the deaths of more than 34,000 people, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. This situation has provided many politicians with leverage. Netanyahu doesn’t need to worry about protests against him, Iran has taken advantage by increasing calls for reform after Mahsini’s death, and European right-wing politicians have found an opportunity to showcase the increased Muslim population in Europe. Additionally, Turkey is now seeking an opportunity to quell discontent against Erdogan and gain an advantage over the opposition by increasing solidarity with Palestinian Muslims. So, everyone benefits except for the common people who lose their lives and property. Turkey’s decision to impose a trade embargo will not have any impact on Israel or the new world order; however, it is a win for Turkey and Erdogan.

  • What is Driving the Increase of Gaza Protests in Western Countries?

    What is Driving the Increase of Gaza Protests in Western Countries?

    Global Muslim solidarity has kept Palestine alive, or Palestine has kept alive global Muslim solidarity. Sunnis, Shias, and Mujahideen all share common thoughts for Palestine. Deep sentiments for Palestine have been created by Muslim writers. Muslim countries have joined together, even launching attacks for Palestine. Muslim journalists have penned articles in various languages, English, French, German, Hindi, to garner support for protests for Gaza. Muslim students have organized massive rallies in Dhaka, Karachi, Mumbai, Baghdad, and many other places, all orchestrated like a finely conducted concert for Palestine and people, who are suffering there. All of this has presented global support for Palestine, despite Israel and the United States supporters leading most influential institutions and newspapers. However, it’s interesting to note that this harmony for Palestine is not as evident after the recent attack in Gaza. Muslim countries are issuing statements but not taking significant actions against Israel. Palestine-related articles featuring images of suffering people are not prevalent in Eastern newspapers, even though casualties are high. Furthermore, students in Pakistan, India, and Arab countries are not as active on the streets for Palestine. Meanwhile, protests for Gaza are intensifying on the US campuses and in the streets of European cities. It’s interesting,  There are more big protests in London than in Karachi.

    Large-scale protests for Gaza are ongoing in reputable US universities like Columbia University and on major European streets, as well as in Australia, amid police arrests and clashes with other groups in an unprecedented manner. Despite these countries alignment with Israel and the continued support of popular politicians for Israel, many Muslim communities, human rights supporters, sympathizers, and left-leaning individuals are joining together to create large-scale protests in Western countries to oppose war and uphold humanity. This movement is unprecedented in scale. Some universities have been forced to cancel their graduation ceremonies, while others have witnessed entire buildings being occupied by protesting students. Police intervention has exacerbated the situation. Interestingly, in the Middle East and South Asia, traditional centers for protests remain relatively calm. The Gulf states do not support democratic protests and enforce strict laws against them, while Arab republics like Iraq and Egypt have tight controls due to links with extremist radicals among protestors. In populous Muslim countries such as Pakistan and Bangladesh in South Asia, there is fear that protests for Gaza could become targets for looming terrorist organizations in the country. Additionally, in India, traditionally a home for intellectual Muslims, the government under Narendra Modi is taking a hardline stance against protests for Gaza and Palestine.

    So, the looming protests in Western nations are occurring only because they can be conducted safely and publicly there. A large number of people, especially students and intellectuals, have migrated to these countries from Arab states and South Asia. They can express their anger and sympathy for Israel’s actions against Palestinian Muslims through protests for Gaza. Moreover, they will receive support from human rights and left-wing groups, which is not as readily available in Arab and South Asian countries. Conducting rallies in Pakistani and Bangladeshi cities will garner less news value. However, many critics argue that the mounting protests will have a reverse effect in Western countries. Social media is already displaying animosity towards Islamist people who have migrated to the West. These protests will likely exacerbate such animosity, with right-wing politicians exploiting it to cast doubt on and wonder about the large-scale protests led by Muslim intellectuals in support of Gaza. Consequently, there is a fear that mounting protests for Gaza will fuel racism and anti-Islamic sentiments.

    The shift of “Protests for Gaza” from east to west is a clear indication of recent migration patterns as well. Eastern countries tend to restrict free speech or expression for Muslims, prompting known Muslim intellectuals and individuals to migrate to the West, where they can utilize freedom of speech to advocate for Muslims. This trend is evident, for example, in India, which was once a hub of protests for Gaza but has significantly changed in the last 10 years under the Hindu nationalist government of Narendra Modi, which favors Israel and takes stringent actions against Palestine protests. Muslim intellectuals from such countries have migrated to the West, where they have the freedom to protest. This trend is also visible in Pakistan and Arab countries. Therefore, these shifts in the locations of protests for Gaza not only signify the emergence of voices for the suffering people in Gaza but also highlight changes in global politics.

  • Assessing the Israel-Iran War Fear: Perspectives and Predictions

    Assessing the Israel-Iran War Fear: Perspectives and Predictions

    The focal point of the Middle East conflict currently lies between two nations: Israel and Iran. Egypt is no longer an Arab superpower, and Turkey and Saudi Arabia show no interest in engaging in conflict with Israel. Other countries in the region lack the capability to challenge Israel. The only remaining powerhouse opposing Israel is Iran. Interestingly, Iran also lacks good terms with the United States. As animosity between Israel and Iran escalates, along with their leaders’ cries and calls for revenge, the world fears that war will break out. These countries have been embroiled in tensions for years, targeting each other’s officials. Iran funds and supports terrorist organizations, including Hamas, posing a threat to Israel. In response, Israel targets Iran’s top leaders, heightening tensions. The attack on Iran’s embassy in Syria further escalated tensions between the two countries. Subsequently, Iran launched around 300 drones and missiles at Israel, prompting Israel to retaliate with missile strikes targeting Isfahan, an important city for Iran. The breaking news alerts that followed stirred global apprehension, with people worldwide fearing that the region had taken a step closer to full-blown conflict.

    In Reality, no one will benefit from a catastrophic war at present. These countries possess a significant amount of artillery, and Israel possesses nuclear weapons, while Iran is accused of having nuclear bombs and high-impact weaponry. The war would be disastrous for the entire region. After World War II, there haven’t been collisions between major powers; instead, there have been instances of larger countries invading smaller ones, as observed in attacks like those on Ukraine or Gaza. Israel’s attack on Gaza is driven by a desire for revenge and is highly politically motivated, and they don’t need a full-scale war. If they were to attack Iran, there would be consequences, potentially involving the intervention of Iran’s closest allies, such as Russia and China. However, Israel is under intense pressure from its closest allies to restrain any response. Leaders from Washington, Paris, and London have openly expressed deep concern over the rapid escalation of a decades-long shadow war into a precarious exchange of direct strikes. For months, US diplomats have been engaged in intensive efforts to prevent Israel’s conflict in Gaza from expanding into a wider conflict, shuttling between regional capitals.

    Though Iran and Israel initiated a drone shower against each other, it occurred on a small scale, merely considered as threats. The direct confrontation began with Israel’s attack on the embassy of Iran, resulting in the deaths of top diplomats. In retaliation, Iran struck Israel using drones. The US received information from Iran before they attacked Israel, which significantly reduced fatalities. Although the scale of the Iran attack was surprising, analysts noted that Iran exhibited some restraint by warning the US. If it deployed its weapons differently, it could cause more harm. As the conflict continues, Israel conducted an attack with missiles in the Iranian city of Isfahan. Isfahan is a historic cultural center and a military hub, hosting several important facilities, including a major airbase and factories linked to drone production and a uranium enrichment plant.

    Tehran had issued a warning that any Israeli counterattack would provoke a stronger retaliation, with President Ebrahim Raisi stating on Wednesday that even the slightest strike would elicit a “Massive and harsh” response. Within hours, the US confirmed the attack as an Israeli strike and reiterated its longstanding call for restraint. The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken said that they are committed to Israel’s security and they are also committed to de-escalation”. By Friday night, officials in Iran and Israel had merely stated that multiple drones had been shot down; neither country had admitted who had authorized the strike. However, Iran and Israel appear to have cooled down now. Some speculate that the uneasy pact of silence offered the only slim hope that the latest round of dangerous attacks might have temporarily ceased.

    Actually, these attacks between these countries are demanded by their administrations, which face protests from their people. For the Islamic Republic of Iran, they can present that they are only voicing support for Islam and Palestine. This is important because the country faces backlash from the population about stringent Islamic rules. So it is necessary for them to present a stance against Israel, although they know they are not capable of a full-scale war against Israel. If the war continues, it’s not certain that Russia and China will not cooperate with them, because Russia does not want to fight with Israel and China gives importance to its economy; they would face pressure from the China Sea if they entered into war. Therefore, the political stalemate once again spared the world. It appears that the likelihood of a full-scale war is nonexistent.

  • Israel’s Mission to Remove Any Scope of Palestine

    Israel’s Mission to Remove Any Scope of Palestine

    Everyone knows that the two-state solution is the most plausible resolution generated in the longstanding conflict between Israel and Arab countries. Israel, a Jewish nation, and Palestine, a Muslim nation, encompass Israel-captured territories, namely the West Bank and Gaza. However, these plans faced rejection due to disapproval from both Arab society and Israel. Israel desires to retain all the land it currently occupies, while Palestine seeks the removal of Jews from their land. 

    Long before the establishment of a Jewish state on the British-controlled eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, the notion of a State of Palestine for Muslims existed. The British Peel Commission report of 1937 initially proposed separate Jewish and Arab states within the territory. Subsequently, in 1947, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a partition plan for Palestine, though Arabs resisted partition. Since the 1982 Arab Summit, the leadership of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), a prominent organization of Palestine, has, in principle, accepted the idea of a two-state solution. Despite momentum from the Oslo Accord towards mutual recognition, it ultimately collapsed. Other organizations for Palestine like Hamas did not agree with the PLO.

    Right-wing governments of Israel, including Netanyahu’s, proceeded to establish large settlements in the West Bank, an area designated for Palestine by the international community. Netanyahu employed a strategy of expansion into East Jerusalem and the West Bank to gain an advantage in elections, a plan reportedly continuing according to the latest reports. Nevertheless, most international countries recognize the West Bank and Gaza as part of Palestine. Many political experts argue that Israel’s mission to expand into these territories is undermining the prospects for Palestine in recent years, contravening international law, which prohibits the permanent settlement of territories occupied militarily.

    Amidst the ongoing conflict between Hamas in Gaza, Israel is not slowing down but extending its construction efforts and building more Jewish settlements in the West Bank. This exacerbates the complexity of border division between Muslims and Jews. As more land falls into the hands of Jews, the Islamic character of the region is also diminishing. These actions, conducted without regard for international agreements, are perceived as part of Israel’s mission to control more Palestinian land, with Hamas attacks providing justification for such moves.

    According to a report by The Guardian, Israel’s government has significantly increased the construction of settlements across East Jerusalem. Planning documents as part of Israel’s mission on the West bank, reveal that over 20 projects, totaling thousands of housing units, have been approved or advanced since the onset of the conflict in Gaza six months ago. Ministries and government offices, often in collaboration with right-wing nationalist groups known for attempting to displace Palestinians from their homes, are spearheading the largest and most contentious projects. Israeli planning authorities have sanctioned two new settlements since the conflict began, marking the first approvals in East Jerusalem in over a decade. Additionally, the expansion of a high-security settlement named Kidmat Zion, situated in the heart of the Palestinian neighborhood Ras al-Amud on the city’s eastern fringe, is pending public feedback. Israel’s mission on the Westbank detailed in the report.

    Israel has initiated a plan for Gaza as well. There are influential business-politicians who recognize the strategic value of the seafront area. They have already devised a plan envisioning a future phase where Hamas no longer controls Gaza, ensuring security for Israeli citizens. Instead, other Palestinian entities would assume governance of the territory. Israel would retain the right to operate within Gaza, akin to the current arrangements in the occupied West Bank. This move underscores Israel’s mission to annex more areas in the West Bank and Gaza, thereby diminishing the scope for Palestine. International bodies that fail to broker a ceasefire in Gaza find themselves limited in their ability to intervene. Arab leaders who reject the two-state solution are facing repercussions for their stance. Ironically, the expectation held by former Arab leaders that Palestine would be established by driving out Jews and Israel from the country is being reversed. Israel is increasingly being established by driving out Arabs.

  • Is Iran’s Attack On Israel A Well-Staged Political Drama?

    Is Iran’s Attack On Israel A Well-Staged Political Drama?

    Iran wants to do anything to secure its image. They were humiliated by the attack conducted by Israel on their consulate in Syria. An attack on their embassy is a big humiliation and a violation of international laws, in which Israel doesn’t have an interest. The Iranian government said they will seek vengeance. Though no country in the Middle East is ready or capable of fighting with Israel, Iran knows it. But Iran did it. They flew almost 300 drones and missiles to Israel on April 14th. Iran’s attack on Israel was obstructed by the US, UK, and Israel. But the following events make Iran’s attacks dubious as well-planned political drama. There is news coming that the attack was carried out after informing neighboring countries and Turkey. Iran said they are stopping further attacks after, and they said they balanced the humiliation they got from the consulate attack. For Israel, they gained something to present to the world after experiencing the huge negative impact of the continuing attack on Gaza. For the US and UK, they can say they protected Israel, which is important for the elections coming in these countries. So Iran’s attack on Israel is a win for all.

    Since the formation of Modern Israel, tensions have existed between Israel and its Muslim neighbors, leading to a lot of wars. Though there was a brief period of peace in the last decade, which led to relations between Israel and prominent Arab countries reaching an all-time high. Credit for this goes to Donald Trump, who worked out these relationships. However, the Hamas attack on October 7th turned all scenarios upside down. When Israeli people’s anger flared up due to failures in governance and safety, as well as Hamas’ capture of Israeli citizens as hostages, Israel started an attack on Gaza. When this attack on Gaza continues after several months, it seems that the situation in the Middle East is becoming less volatile, which is interesting, considering the suffering of people in Gaza. Hamas leaders may find refuge in Qatar, and Hezbollah is reluctant to intervene. Neighboring countries are not ready to participate, and Islamic leaders like Saudi Arabia and Turkey are not overly interested in these issues. However, attacking a consulate and killing officials severely damaged Israel’s reputation, and the killing of aid workers probably set Israel back. On this occasion, Iran’s drone missiles were flown to Israel. Everyone, including the US, was aware of Iran’s attack on Israel. Iran actually seized the opportunity to make a counter-attack on Israel, becoming a Muslim country still capable of fighting against Israel. Israel can use this to show the world that there is a threat to them. Though Israel easing restrictions and Iran stating they will not fight further, all seems settled.

    While Israel’s top general, Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, provided the clearest confirmation yet since the attack that Israel would retaliate, the likelihood of a full-scale war appears to be diminishing. There will be targeted attacks from Israel to Iran or its allies. As two countries, Israel and Iran do not share a land border, but Iran’s closest allies, Syria and Lebanon, are neighbors of Israel. However, attacking these neighbors is not a good idea for Israel now. There is doubt that the US or UK will not stand with this idea, and there is discontent against Netanyahu in Israel, a prolonged war will only escalate this. Attacking Syria will draw Russia and the US directly into the warfare, leading to a devastating situation. Iran is sure that airstrikes against Israel will not work out; they are well prepared for it. Moreover, Iraq will not always cooperate with Iran to use their sky as a pathway for missiles. Attacking through the sea is almost impossible, but they can intercept Israel-linked ships from the Persian shore or Arabian sea with the help of Houthis. Iran is already holding an Israel-linked ship for violating the rules.

    The war on social media and targeted killings will continue. Israel, the US, and the UK will support the campaign against Iran, while Iran will aid terrorist organizations fighting against Israel. This pattern is likely to persist, as per analysis of a new world order. In modern times, starting a war is easy, but ending it is incredibly difficult. A possible deadlock and a perpetual war will be the result of modern war. The Ukraine war serves as a good example of this. Russia cannot progress further, even though they have been severely impacted economically and politically, despite their experience in warfare and possession of high artillery. Economic setbacks are not tolerable in modern politics, which are highly intertwined with business interests. Therefore, the likelihood of further escalating tensions into a full-scale war between Israel and Iran is low.Yet, the drama, Iran’s attack on Israel was well-staged and appealing.