The impact of Israel’s Gaza offensive on the global stage

The conflict distracts those also playing in other conflicts

The Israel-Hamas war in Gaza has not only inflicted devastating consequences on the region but is also reverberating around the world, with implications for the Middle East, Europe, China, and the USA. As the conflict continues to escalate, it becomes evident that the impact of this crisis extends far beyond the immediate battleground. We must analyze the geopolitical dimensions of the Israel-Hamas war, exploring the shattered illusions, potential consequences, the failure of the UN to contain Israel and the urgent need for solutions such as a ceasefire that will pave the way for dialogue and food supply and rehabilitation .

For years, Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu operated under the illusion that Israel could normalize ties with the Arab world without addressing the Palestinian question. However, the ongoing conflict has shattered this expectation, forcing Israel to confront the reality that the Palestinian issue cannot be ignored.

The consequences of Israel’s genocide of Palestinian people at the cost of Hamas has exposed the world powers to stop this long war with innocent and unarmed Palestinians, especially children, as literally there is no comparison of a tech-powered occupation force like Israel supported by a superpower like the USA with those unarmed Palestinian people retaliating with pelted stones against tanks and missiles, except some damage caused by Hamas missile attack.

Historically, Israel is an occupation force and a two-state solution is not viable as the land belongs to Palestine. Only a Palestinian state is possible and Israel can be just part of it. Israel has been able to garner support from the USA while it is condemned by all the nations of the world, specially the OIC, and the Arab League, Even China has played a greater role for ceasefire.

Israel will undoubtedly undergo a period of soul-searching and may need to reevaluate its strategy towards the Middle East peace process as a whole. Saudi Arabia, which had been on the verge of normalizing relations with Israel, is likely to demand concessions for the Palestinians before moving forward. The situation has been alarming to the extent that the hospitals have stopped working and food supply has been halted as Israeli forces have destroyed hospitals, infrastructure and roads that will take years to rebuild.

Saudi Arabia’s potential demand for concessions highlights the broader implications of the Israel-Hamas war in the Middle East. The conflict puts the region at a dangerous crossroads, where escalation could further destabilize an already volatile situation. With the Gulf States wavering in their support, Netanyahu may be inclined to encourage a regional confrontation that aligns Israel and the Sunni Arab states against Iran’s “axis of resistance.” This scenario reduces the Palestinian question to a mere sideshow in a broader confrontation, potentially leading to dire consequences for regional stability.

While the conflict in Gaza dominates headlines, Ukraine finds itself grappling with the implications of being overshadowed. The suffering endured by the Ukrainian people no longer appears as exceptional when compared to the heart-wrenching images emanating from Gaza. This shift in attention poses significant challenges for Ukraine, as its survival depends on sustained international support. Any distraction from its struggle is detrimental to its cause, hampering the international community’s ability to focus on the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.

Wars always bring misery and destruction whereas only meaningful dialogue is the best solution to settle the issue in the Middle East. The USS must withdraw support from Israel and facilitate the process of ceasefire with help of the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. Supporting Israel’s alleged Massacre of Palestinians will further Isolate USA in the world . It is high time for China to come forward and de-escalate the situation.

The crisis in Gaza also exposes deep fault lines within the European Union. France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, in particular, face internal divisions. France has witnessed a surge in anti-Semitic incidents, while other EU member states find themselves fragmented in their response to the Israel-Hamas war. Unlike the unified front displayed during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, EU leaders now face multiple priorities, including Gaza, Nagorno-Karabakh, and Ukraine. The lack of a cohesive EU response places strain on the union’s ability to effectively address the complex challenges presented by these conflicts.

China’s involvement in the Israel-Hamas war highlights its strategic interests and its broader outreach to the Global South. In stark contrast to its neutrality during Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, China has swiftly expressed support for the Palestinians on humanitarian grounds as people will die of hunger even if they escaped from the Israeli offensive.

A broader regional confrontation resulting from the Israel-Hamas war could disrupt China’s delicate efforts to maintain peace between Iran and Saudi Arabia.

China’s diplomatic stance may be welcome for the Palestinians as the world, including the toothless UN, has failed to prevent the Gaza war as over 18,000 people have been killed, including women and children .

Everyone is wondering when the conscience of world powers will be aroused, as Israel’s intentions are crystal clear that they want to grab Palestinian territory sans Palestinians. The Gaza war is both suppression and oppression of innocent Palestinians by the USA-supported Israel to firm up the Zionist state, by extermination of Palestinians through bloodbath, massacre and genocide as the USA’s earlier plans failed miserably.

The USA’s recent vetoing of a UN resolution shows that the Gaza war has become a US war and Israel merely acts as a proxy to the USA to conceive and implement the deadly and bloody plan of the Zionist State of Israel.  President Joe Biden’s administration has further isolated the USA from the rest of world as nobody considers the oppressors and occupiers great. The US military and governance support confirms that it is the US plan to destroy Gaza and the West Bank settlements of the Palestinians and acquire Palestinian territory on the pretext of Hamas, as they had done in Afghanistan for killing a single person Osama bin Laden.

The US focus on the Israel-Hamas war represents a potential distraction from its primary foreign policy priority: the strategic competition with China. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East diverts resources and attention away from the efforts to pivot towards Asia. This shift threatens to undermine the Biden Administration’s commitment to rebalance US foreign policy and address the long-term challenges posed by China. The USA must carefully navigate its involvement in the Middle East to ensure that its strategic competition with China remains a top priority.

Amidst the complex geopolitical dynamics, it is crucial for relevant actors to recognize their shared interests and work towards resolving the conflict rather than prolonging it for their own interest leaving innocent people getting killed for the Hamas Attacks on Israel.

It is beyond understanding why all Palestinian people are attacked and killed for the acts of Hamas. The Muslim countries under the banner of OIC and Arab League demand immediate ceasefire and initiating of dialogue to find a peaceful solution to the issue rather than persecution of poor Palestinians. How long the world will witness the heartbreaking scenes of innocent children being killed by missile attacks?

It must halt, else it will give opportunity for faith-based wars, creating an alarming situation .The immediate priority must be to end the violence and avoid further escalation. Both Israel and Hamas must seek a sustainable ceasefire, allowing for the delivery of humanitarian aid and the rebuilding of shattered lives. International diplomatic efforts, including the involvement of the United Nations, are vital in facilitating negotiations and de-escalation.

Beyond the immediate cessation of hostilities, a lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is essential to guarantee long-term security for all involved. Political negotiations must address the underlying grievances and aspirations of both parties, aiming for a comprehensive and just resolution. The international community, including the USA, Europe, and regional powers, must play an active role in supporting and facilitating these negotiations. Only through a political solution can a sustainable peace be achieved, ensuring the well-being and security of both Israelis and Palestinians.

As the Israel-Hamas war unfolds in Gaza, its impact on the global stage becomes increasingly evident. From shattered illusions in the Middle East to potential consequences for Ukraine, Europe, China, and the USA, the crisis demands urgent attention and concerted efforts to seek diplomatic solutions. The complexities of this conflict require a comprehensive approach that addresses both immediate and long-term challenges.

By prioritizing dialogue, de-escalation, and political negotiations, the international community can contribute to a more peaceful and secure future for all those affected by the Israel-Hamas war.

Wars always bring misery and destruction whereas only meaningful dialogue is the best solution to settle the issue in the Middle East. The USS must withdraw support from Israel and facilitate the process of ceasefire with help of the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia .Supporting Israel’s alleged Massacre of Palestinians will further Isolate USA  in the world . It is high time for China to come forward and de-escalate the situation.

Abdul Rahman Malik
Abdul Rahman Malik
The writer is a freelance columnist

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