THE Israel Defence Forces (IDF) spokesperson has announced that the war on Gaza will continue until complete victory, a sentiment echoed by the Israeli Prime Minister. Throughout human history, there have been individuals who built their empires on human suffering. The Prime Minister of Israel appears intent on seeking strategic leverage in the Middle East by conquering Gaza and eliminating its population. The new offensive on Rafah is horrifying due to its disastrous dimensions. Under the pretext of hostages, Israel is prepared to kill and displace 1.5 million Palestinians. It’s unfortunate that the world is not moving beyond lip service. However, when the tide turns, the victors are often made to pay for their atrocities, war crimes and genocidal actions. It’s ironic that over the past couple of days, the US Administration has warned Benjamin Netanyahu against the Rafah offensive due to its horrific dimensions. It’s further ironic that the US President is complaining that Mr. Netanyahu is not listening to the United States. The Foreign Office, EU and other nations are condemning Netanyahu’s offensive policy, which amounts to nothing short of genocide, yet their efforts seem futile. There are voices of reason within the US itself, but they are not being heard.
It appears that Israel is determined and planning to establish illegal settlements in Gaza. The death toll in the Rafah area has increased significantly, resulting in massive casualties, sometimes exceeding 100 per day. The area is densely populated, with an estimated 1.5 million people residing there. Additionally, Israel has carried out a drone attack on Islamic Resistance, resulting in the death of three individuals. Consequently, Islamic Resistance has warned America that they will target military bases in Iraq and Jordan.
On the seas, Houthi attacks on commercial shipping have intensified despite US and UK airstrikes in Yemen. President Biden has announced they will give an appropriate response. At the same time, world pressure for a ceasefire is increasing. The Russian Foreign Minister has accused the United States of doing nothing and turning a blind eye to the atrocities being committed in Gaza. Mr. Sergey accused the United States of very irresponsible behaviour. Similarly, China has come out strongly against Israeli war crimes and is calling for a ceasefire. October 7, 2023, should not be used as an excuse to carry out genocide in Gaza. The International Court of Justice has also clearly branded Israeli actions as war crimes. Most recently, Israel has closed the Rafah crossing, resulting in the cessation of aid to the affected population of Gaza. By now, almost 29,000 people have died, and over a hundred thousand are injured. Ninety percent of hospital facilities are destroyed and 75% of the infrastructure is in ruins. It’s time to end this madness. The deadline for the offensive on Rafah is March 10.
Some US Senators are urging President. Biden to attack in response to the attacks of Islamic Resistance. Iran is warned that the implication of such an action will be horrendous and devastating for the region. It has blamed United States striking bases in Iraq. So far over 552 Israeli soldiers have been killed and 138 are still prisoners. Two hostages have now been rescued by the Israeli forces in Rafah area inflicting heavy casualties on the Palestinian unarmed civilians. Especially in the Nasser Hospital, it is non-functional now. It is as the Israeli strikes and unending heavy rains have also played havoc in the refugee camps all over Gaza. Medicines and food supply has virtually come to zero. UN Secretary General has warned of the impending disaster.
Major Powers, including Russia and China, urge the United States to recognize global sentiment as the war escalates, risking further regional entanglement. In an election year, President Biden faces pressure to support Israel despite growing calls for peace from the American public. Similar constraints apply to Trump’s camp. Consequently, war crimes go unchecked, undermining global order and stability. The Middle East’s evolving dynamics and threats to shipping lanes disrupt global supply chains, leading to increased insurance and freight rates, exacerbating inflation in Europe and America. Developing countries, already vulnerable, will suffer most from rising prices and oil disruptions.
Israel’s grand strategic plan aims to occupy Gaza in various ways, including the completion of projects like a new canal from the Red Sea to the Mediterranean, reportedly with US support. The strategic objectives include (a) occupying Gaza, (ii) expanding Israel’s territory and (iii) gaining financial influence over Middle Eastern States. President Biden appears helpless as Netanyahu is not listening to anybody. Arab States, fearing Israel’s financial and nuclear power, are reluctant to intervene. Israeli offensive actions are becoming more severe, particularly in the Gulf States and Saudi Arabia, where Israeli investment in industry, trade and real estate is increasing. The UAE is granting residential status to a large number of Israelis. With increasing hold on the trade and industry, it is feared that in the next 20/30 years, UAE will become another Gaza, or they will compromise their sovereignty. The impact of Middle East’s changed scenario is going to be felt in South Asia as well as most of the labour and manpower comes from India, Pakistan Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. This will affect the jobs and trade of South Asian people. Similarly Gulf States investment in South Asia, especially Pakistan, where Indian ingress is increasing.
The conclusion, Israel will not stop its offensive planned in Rafah area and thus cause immense destruction both in human lives and infrastructure. As the Russian, Australian and other number of Foreign Ministers have warned the world it must not close its eyes. It is obvious and clear that the force can be stopped with force. Israelis will only learn a lesson when they are answered in the same coin. Further, Hamas role is also dubious?
—The writer is a senior researcher and analyst. He regularly contributes to the national press.
Email: tariqkhalil21@gmail.com
views expressed are writer’s own.
