Regional Impacts of ongoing Gaza Conflict

Source-This post on The Ongoing Gaza Conflict has been created based on the article “Israel is losing badly in the perceptions battle” published in “Live mint” on 28 May 2024.

UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-2-International Relations- Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India’s interests.

Context-The article highlights the importance of ending hostilities between Israel and Ghaza to minimize civilian casualities. Israel has recently launched a fresh strike against what it called “legitimate targets” after Hamas fired missiles at Tel Aviv, killing two senior Hamas officials.

What might be the reason behind the continued conflict?

1) Support of USA– Israel has strong backing from the United States. This support allowed Israel to disregard the International Court of Justice’s directive to halt its offensive in Rafah. However, if the United States reassesses its global reputation influenced by its policies toward Israel, this support may decrease.

2) Political Gains– Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appears determined to continue this war, which is supported by his far-right allies and may be part of his strategy to remain in power.

A detailed article Israel-Palestine Conflict and India can be read here.

What is the impact of this ongoing conflict?

1) Casualties -Nearly 36,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s war since the October 7 attacks by Hamas, which also claimed around 1,200 Israeli lives and took 250 hostages.

2) Failed Peace Efforts -Various peace proposals have failed. There is a rising discontent in Israel as government has been unable to secure the release of hostages, around half of whom are still held by Hamas.

What should be the way forward?

1) Planning for Gaza’s Future After the Conflict -There is a requirement for a straightforward plan for Gaza after the war. Taking full control of Ghaza would be a backward move, and having a Palestinian administration under Israeli military supervision might not be feasible.

2) Two State Solution– Any real settlement must respect the Palestinians’ right to self-determination, and a two-state solution with sovereign states of Israel and Palestine sharing Jerusalem should be adopted.

3) Addressing Concerns about Jewish Identity -Palestinian refugees could go back to their homes in Gaza and the West Bank but not to Israel. This helps address Israeli worries about preserving a Jewish identity while also welcoming religious diversity.

4) US Mediation-It’s logical for all parties to embrace a peace gesture to halt conflicts, and if internal Israeli politics poses a challenge, it’s vital for the United States to advocate for a ceasefire and assume the role of a mediator for peace.

Question for practice

What are the effects of the current conflict in Gaza? What measures can be implemented to reduce tensions and establish peace in the region?