"The Ongoing Israel-Palestine Conflict: A Deepening Divide" By: Dr. AFTAB Hasan

Introduction

The Israel-Palestine conflict, one of the most protracted and contentious disputes in modern history, continues to captivate the attention of the world with far-reaching consequences for both Israelis and Palestinians. Rooted in historical, religious, and territorial disputes, the ongoing conflict has led to countless casualties, displacement, and a deepening humanitarian crisis. If one needs to overview without bias, the complex and deeply entrenched Israel-Palestine conflict, its historical backdrop, recent developments, and the challenges facing any potential resolution may look very gloomy. If we delve into the life of Palestinians since the occupation of Israel, with a specific focus on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. It highlights the dire situation in Gaza, where innocent civilians, including children, are deprived of food, health, and security. It emphasizes the urgent need for intervention by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to mitigate the suffering and end the war immediately.

A Historical Perspective

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict dates back to the mid-20th century, culminating in Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories following the Six-Day War in 1967. The roots of the Israel-Palestine conflict can be traced back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries when Jewish and Arab nationalist movements emerged in the region. The Balfour Declaration of 1917, issued by the British government, supported establishing a "national home for the Jewish people" in Palestine. This declaration laid the groundwork for a series of events that have shaped the conflict, including the establishment of Israel in 1948 and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians. This occupation also led to the establishment of Israeli settlements in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, which have significantly contributed to the suffering of the Palestinian population.

Ongoing Conflict

The current phase of the Israel-Palestine conflict is characterized by a cycle of violence and political stalemate. Key issues at the heart of the conflict include Jerusalem's status, Israel's borders, the right of return for Palestinian refugees, and the establishment of a Palestinian state.

Recent Developments

• Gaza Strip Unrest: The Gaza Strip, a densely populated enclave under the control of Hamas, which is considered a terrorist organization by several countries and entities, including the United States, the European Union, Israel, Canada, and others, has been a focal point for violence. Israel and Hamas have engaged in several military conflicts, with the most recent large-scale conflict occurring. This conflict resulted in the tragic loss of innocent lives and significant casualties and destruction, particularly in Gaza.
• Jerusalem Tensions: The city of Jerusalem has been a flashpoint for unrest, with both Israelis and Palestinians laying claim to it as their capital. In 2017, the United States, under the Presidentship of Donald Trump, recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital and moved its embassy there, sparking outrage among Palestinians. Tensions have continued to simmer in the city, leading to clashes and protests.
• Israeli Settlements: Israel's continued expansion of settlements in the West Bank remains a major source of contention. Many in the international community consider these settlements illegal under international law, a view disputed by Israel. The expansion of settlements further complicates the prospects for a two-state solution.
• Peace Process Stagnation: The peace process between Israelis and Palestinians has remained stagnant for years, with both sides often blaming each other for the lack of progress. Mediation efforts by the United States, the United Nations, and the international community have yielded limited results.

Challenges to Resolution

The Israel-Palestine conflict is immensely complex, and finding a resolution is challenging for several reasons:

• Deeply Rooted Historical Animosity: The conflict's long history has bred deep-seated mistrust and animosity between the two sides, making it difficult to find common ground for negotiations.
• Political Divisions: Both the Israeli and Palestinian leadership are divided, with multiple political factions holding power and influence. This fragmentation complicates efforts to negotiate a unified peace agreement.
• Settlement Expansion: The continued expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank makes the establishment of a viable Palestinian state increasingly difficult.
• Regional Dynamics: The Israel-Palestine conflict is intertwined with the broader regional dynamics of the Middle East, making it susceptible to external influences and regional power struggles.
• Refugee Issue: The question of Palestinian refugees and their right to return remains a significant obstacle to a comprehensive peace settlement.

Gaza's Humanitarian Crisis

Gaza, a small coastal enclave with a population of over 2.5 million people, has borne the brunt of this conflict. The Israeli blockade of Gaza began in 2007 and has had devastating consequences on the daily lives of Palestinians living there. This blockade has severely restricted the flow of goods, services, and people, leaving Gaza in a perpetual state of crisis. With the new ongoing war between Israel and Palestine, the situation in Gaza became more vulnerable.

• Food Deprivation: Gazans have faced chronic food shortages due to the blockade, which has limited the import of essential goods and stunted economic development. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has reported that over half the population in Gaza relies on humanitarian assistance for their basic food needs. The situation has only worsened over time, leading to food insecurity for a significant portion of the population.
• Health Crisis: The blockade has significantly affected the health sector in Gaza. Medical supplies, equipment, and personnel are in short supply, making it difficult for healthcare providers to deliver adequate care. The situation was exacerbated by the destruction of medical facilities during conflicts. The inability to access proper healthcare and treatment has cost many lives, particularly among children and the elderly.
• Security Concerns: The Gaza Strip has been the site of numerous conflicts, with Israel conducting military operations in response to rocket attacks and abduction of Israeli citizens from militant groups within Gaza. Civilians have often borne the brunt of these conflicts, leading to numerous casualties and significant infrastructure damage. The insecurity and constant fear experienced by Gazans have taken a toll on their mental and physical well-being. Hundreds of people have been killed by an explosion at a crowded hospital in Gaza which Palestinian officials say an Israeli air strike caused the blast.

The Role of the United Nations Security Council

The United Nations Security Council is crucial in addressing international crises related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It is responsible for maintaining international peace and security and must take immediate action to alleviate the suffering in Gaza.

• Immediate Humanitarian Aid: The UNSC should prioritize the delivery of direct humanitarian aid to Gaza. This includes ensuring that food, medicine, and other essential supplies reach the population without restrictions. The international community must also contribute to rebuilding and rehabilitating the damaged infrastructure.
• End the Blockade: The UNSC should exert diplomatic pressure on Israel to lift the blockade on Gaza. The blockade has not achieved its intended security goals and has instead caused immense suffering to the civilian population. Ending the blockade is essential to addressing the root causes of the humanitarian crisis.
• Promote Peace and Conflict Resolution: The UNSC should support and actively promote a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This includes encouraging dialogue between the parties involved, supporting a two-state solution, and ensuring the implementation of relevant international resolutions.

Summarising my thoughts:

The people of Gaza have endured decades of hardship and suffering, with their fundamental human rights, including access to food, health, and security, constantly at risk. The United Nations Security Council must acknowledge its responsibility to address this humanitarian crisis. Immediate action, in the form of humanitarian aid, ending the blockade, and promoting peace, is essential to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people in Gaza and work toward a just and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The international community must unite in its commitment to protect the rights and dignity of all individuals in the region, regardless of their national or ethnic identity. The Israel-Palestine conflict, a deeply rooted and multifaceted dispute, continues to inflict suffering on both Israeli and Palestinian communities. As violence flares up periodically, it underscores the urgent need for a negotiated, lasting peace agreement. Achieving such an agreement will require substantial efforts from both parties and a conducive international environment that supports a two-state solution. Until then, the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict will remain a distressing and intractable crisis with repercussions in the region and on the global stage.