The Israel War

Regional and Global Reaction to the Israel War

 November 15, 2023

From opinion: Shameful capitulation

Here is the concise form of today’s Dawn e-paper opinion section titled Shameful Capitulation which is about the current crises held in Palestine. Here is the link to the parent article:

https://www.dawn.com/news/1789465

Published in Dawn

Introduction:

The Palestinian plight has long been a focal point in the tumultuous landscape of the Middle East. Yet, recent events have underscored the disheartening reality of Arab nations’ lack of substantive support for the besieged Palestinian population. Despite ongoing atrocities committed by Israeli forces in Gaza, the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) have failed to galvanize meaningful action, leaving the Palestinian people at the mercy of continued aggression. This essay delves into the repercussions of this inertia, highlighting the absence of unified measures against Israeli war crimes and the implications for regional stability.

The Arab League’s Ineffectual Response: A Betrayal of Palestinian Hope

The joint resolution from the Arab League and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, while condemning Israel’s actions, lacked substantive measures to address the escalating crisis. This failure to act decisively serves as a profound betrayal of the Palestinian populace amid their ongoing struggle.

Absence of Concrete Action: A Disheartening Betrayal                               

The resolution’s failure to implement measures like prohibiting military support to Israel or freezing diplomatic ties showcases a glaring lack of resolve within the Arab League. These actions, if taken, could have exerted substantial pressure on Israel to reconsider its aggressive stance and curtail the violence in Gaza.

Unchecked Autonomy: Emboldening Israeli Aggression

The absence of a unified front against Israeli aggression inadvertently endorses and empowers Israel’s actions. This inaction not only perpetuates Palestinian suffering but also emboldens Israel’s continued transgressions, fostering a climate of unchecked aggression.

Unveiling the Implications of Inaction

The reluctance to leverage economic capabilities or threaten diplomatic relations underscores a glaring unwillingness to confront the root cause of the conflict, allowing Israel to act with impunity. This perpetuates the cycle of violence and injustice, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.

Prolonged Crisis: Urgency for Arab Nations to Reassess

Arab countries’ reluctance to take substantive measures against Israeli aggression prolongs the suffering of innocent civilians. It is imperative for these nations to reassess their approach and take decisive steps toward ending the conflict by holding aggressors accountable and standing in solidarity with the oppressed.

Discord within the Arab League: Fragmented Approaches to Israeli Aggression

The Arab League and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s struggle to align on a cohesive plan against Israeli actions reflects deep-rooted discord within the coalition. The failure to consolidate separate meetings due to the Arab League’s inability to reach a consensus underscores significant disagreements within the bloc.

Divisions and Rejections: Obstructing Collective Action

Among the Arab League’s 22 members, a stark division emerged, with 11 supporting the proposed action plan while the rest either opposed or abstained from endorsing it. Countries like the UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, despite normalization of ties with Israel, rejected punitive measures against Israel, diluting the potency of any collective response.

Watered-Down Resolutions: A Toothless Response

The resultant joint resolution from the Arab-OIC summit, aiming to end the conflict in Gaza, lacked substantial measures to hold Israel accountable. While advocating for ending the Gaza siege and permitting humanitarian aid, the resolution fell short in acknowledging the Palestinian right to resist occupation. This omission renders the joint statement ineffectual and devoid of meaningful impact.

Political Dependence and Implications of Inaction

The reluctance to acknowledge Palestinian resistance and the diluted response to Israeli aggression is attributed to the undemocratic nature of Arab regimes. This abandonment of Palestinian interests is seen as a consequence of political dependency on the United States, a key ally of Israel, complicit in the ongoing war crimes against Palestinians.

Implications of Political Allegiances:

Complicity in Palestinian Suffering

The Arab regimes’ political reliance on the United States, coupled with their rejection of punitive measures against Israel, inadvertently aligns them with a narrative that undermines the plight of Palestinians. The failure to acknowledge Palestinian resistance and the diluted response exacerbates the vulnerability of Palestinians facing extermination by Israel’s aggressive actions.

Normalization of Relations: An Anomaly Amidst Palestinian Suffering

The normalization of relations between several Arab states and Israel amidst the Palestinian plight stands out as an aberration in the traditional political stance of the Arab world. Despite Israel’s expansionist and apartheid policies, some Arab nations have chosen to forge ties, an act that contradicts the longstanding solidarity with Palestine.

Persistent Pursuit of Normalization: Political Realignment Amidst Conflict

Reports indicating Saudi Arabia’s continued interest in normalizing relations with Israel, even amid the Gaza conflict, highlight a consistent pursuit post-war normalization. The Biden administration’s push for this deal echoes a shifting political landscape, indicative of broader regional realignments.

Ambivalent Diplomacy: Recalled Ambassadors and Partial Relations

While some Arab nations initially recognizing Israel under the Abraham Accords have recalled ambassadors amid domestic pressure, they maintain diplomatic and economic ties, refraining from complete severance. Countries like Egypt and the UAE, maintaining long-standing relations with Israel, showcase a nuanced stance, balancing diplomatic connections despite public sentiments.

Global Contrasts: Stricter Opposition Outside the Arab World Contrasting with Arab nations, certain countries such as South Africa

Bolivia, Chile, Venezuela, and Brazil have displayed stronger opposition against Israel’s actions. Their stance against Israel’s policies exceeds the measures taken by several Arab nations, reflecting a more stringent stance against the ongoing conflict.

Escalating Tensions: Public Outcry and Regional Ramifications

The unfolding humanitarian crisis in Gaza has ignited widespread public anger directed at Arab governments’ perceived capitulation. Israeli attacks targeting hospitals, refugee camps, and places of worship have escalated tensions, triggering explosive sentiments across the Middle East. This conflict has the potential to reshape the region’s political dynamics, signaling tangible warning signs for authoritarian regimes.

Global Outcry and Implications for Arab Rulers

Massive global protests condemning Israel’s actions illustrate the isolation of the Zionist state, underscoring the growing discontent and disapproval worldwide. Arab authoritarian regimes face mounting challenges as public dissent escalates, potentially destabilizing their grip on power amidst heightened regional tensions.

Failed Israeli Objectives: Devastation in Gaza and Unfulfilled Ambitions

The ongoing conflict in Gaza, lasting over a month, has resulted in catastrophic devastation within the territory, rendering it a “hell on earth.” Despite Israel’s relentless aggression, its goal of achieving full control over the Strip, housing 2.2 million people, remains elusive.

Disturbing Plans and Political Implications: Forced Relocation and Arab Complicity

Reports indicating a US-backed proposal to relocate the entire Gaza population to Sinai in Egypt, akin to a second Nakba, raise alarm about the complicity of the Egyptian leadership in such plans. The Arab world’s failure to act decisively not only emboldens Israel but also gives credence to these disruptive strategies.

Urgent Need for Substantive Action: Combating Zionist Expansionism

Rather than issuing superficial statements, Arab nations must take resolute measures to halt Zionist expansionism, recognizing its imminent threat to the entire region. The failure to address this expansionist agenda poses a grave danger, requiring immediate and concrete intervention.By taking concrete steps to halt Israel’s aggressive pursuits, they can play a pivotal role in restoring stability and safeguarding the rights of the Palestinian people.

Conclusion: The failure of the Arab League and OIC to rally behind a coherent strategy against Israeli aggression amplifies the vulnerability of the Palestinian populace. The inertia exhibited by member states not only undermines the Palestinian cause but also emboldens Israel’s continued transgressions. To mitigate this

crisis and uphold international principles, Arab nations must unite in decisive action, holding aggressors accountable and standing in solidarity with the oppressed Palestinian people.

Difficult words:

1. Egregious: Remarkably bad or shocking.
2. Inert: Lacking the ability or strength to move.
3. Aberration: An anomaly or deviation from the usual course.
4. Perfunctory: Superficial or lacking genuine interest.
5. Elusive: Difficult to achieve or grasp.
6. Capitulation: Surrendering or giving in to an opponent.

Credited :Farhan Khan