Caught in the Crossfire: The Fractured Landscapes of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
This article is particularly pertinent regarding the ongoing events in Israel-Palestine, given their highly sensitive and rapidly evolving nature. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the wider St. Andrews Foreign Affairs Review team.
In the hushed streets of Gaza, where the echoes of history reverberate against a skyline scarred by conflict, a salient image emerges. A child, no older than seven, clutches a faded photograph — a snapshot of hope etched into the creases of her small, determined hands. Her eyes, brimming with stories of resilience, reflect a past as tumultuous as the land she calls home. This image, a poignant vignette in a saga of profound human struggle, encapsulates the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In these stories, woven into the very fabric of this ancient land, lies a profound narrative of pain, aspirations, and the enduring quest for a lasting peace.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict stands as a relentless, decades-long dispute deeply rooted in historical and international affairs. Its longevity, regional implications, and global resonance render it a subject of perpetual significance, invoking debate and scholarly engagement. A nuanced exploration of this conflict is therefore imperative to understand its historical context, the key stakeholders, and the latest developments. The conflict finds its roots in the aftermath of World War II and the subsequent creation of the State of Israel in 1948. This development, a response to the atrocities of the Holocaust, led to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinian Arabs, resulting in an enduring refugee crisis. The Six-Day War of 1967 marked a significant turning point for the strength of the Palestinian resistance as Israel seized control of the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem, territories with substantial Palestinian populations. The 1978 Camp David Accords, supposed peace accords, were bilateral negotiations between Egypt and Israel, leading to Egypt becoming the first Arab nation to recognise the state of Israel. No representatives from the Palestinian people were included, and the status of Palestinian territories and refugees was not discussed. Many perceived these accords as Egypt prioritising its own national interests over the broader Arab stance. Additionally, the conflict’s history is marked by recurrent violence, including the First Intifada (1987-1993) and the Second Intifada (2000-2005). During the Lebanese Civil War, Israel intervened militarily on several occasions, primarily to counter threats from Palestinian militant groups operating in Lebanon. This intervention ultimately led to the evacuation of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) from Lebanon and the establishment of a buffer zone in southern Lebanon, patrolled by the Israeli military.
Iran, a regional powerhouse in the Middle East, has been a key player in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Prior to and during the 1979 Iranian Revolution, under Mohammad Reza Shah’s reign, Iran maintained a close relationship with Israel. This alliance was driven by shared strategic interests, including opposition to pan-Arab movements, cooperation in security matters, and arms deals. The revolution, led by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, led to the establishment of an Islamic government that silently accepted Israeli aid during the 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq War but afterwards strongly and vocally opposed Israel. The revolutionary rhetoric and ideology were critical of Israel, and Iran severed diplomatic ties with the state. Iran’s post-revolution leadership emphasised the liberation of Palestine as a central tenet of the new regime’s foreign policy. Over time, Iran’s support extended to groups such as Hamas and Islamic Jihad, offering financial aid and weapons. Iran’s support was instrumental in these groups’ ability to challenge Israel. Its influence in the region, primarily through its support for various Palestinian factions, has significantly affected the dynamics of the conflict. As long as Iran opposes Israel’s existence and Israel perceives Iran as a threat, this proxy struggle will continue. The US Secretary of State mentions a “likelihood of escalation” and that the US is “taking every measure to defend Israelis and US citizens.”
The United States has played a significant role in the conflict over the years. U.S involvement has evolved based on various administration, international dynamics, and regional developments. The U.S was one of the first countries to recognize the State of Israel in 1948. Under President Jimmy Carter, the U.S. played a crucial role in brokering the Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt, leading to the Egypt-Israel Peace Treaty in 1979. In the Early 2000s, the United States put forth the Road Map for Peace, aimed at achieving a two-state solution. However, this initiative faced challenges, particularly during the Second Intifada. Following the 7th of October attack, the U.S stance has been characterised by a lack of discussion about a ceasefire, instead permitting Israel to conduct an intense bombing campaign in Gaza. The U.S. is also preparing a significant aid package of $14 billion (£11.5 billion) for Israel, which includes substantial military assistance. The Biden administration’s approach does not have a clear objective beyond the hope that the conflict does not escalate into a broader regional conflict. This approach is in line with the U.S.’s broader policy in the Middle East, which is cautious about being drawn into further conflicts in the region.
The release of nearly 44 minutes of raw footage depicting the events of the 7th of October Hamas attack offers a chilling and unfiltered testimony of the tragic events that unfolded that day. The footage, drawn from multiple sources including body cameras, traffic cameras, and mobile phones, vividly illustrates the horrors of that day. Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the chief military spokesman, emphasised that what transpired was not just a war crime but “a crime against humanity”. The scenes depicted in the footage are haunting, with Hamas assailants targeting civilians, open-air music festivals, and ambushing those seeking refuge in bomb shelters. As the gravity of the events continues to sink in, the importance of documenting this collective memory becomes evident, serving as a stark reminder of the deadliest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust.
In response to this attack by Hamas, Israel carried out a retaliatory offensive in Gaza, exacerbating the already dire situation in the region. Amnesty International shed light on the grim reality in the Gaza strip between the 7th and 12th of October. The Israeli counterattacks were found to have flagrantly violated international humanitarian law. Some of these attacks failed to distinguish between civilians and military targets, while others may have even targeted civilian objects. The impact has been devastating, with civilian lives shattered, essential infrastructure obliterated, and Gaza’s already catastrophic humanitarian crisis further amplified Specific cases, such as the destruction of a residential building in al-Zeitoun, a family home in al-Sahaba Street, a market in Jabalia refugee camp, and a building in Sheikh Radwan, highlight the tragic loss of civilian lives and the widespread destruction wrought upon this besieged region. In recent weeks, the Israeli-occupied West Bank has witnessed a surge in violence, resulting in the highest number of Palestinian casualties in at least the past 15 years, as reported by Palestinian health authorities and historical data from the United Nations.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict remains a deeply entrenched and highly complex issue, influenced by historical, geopolitical, and humanitarian factors. Recent events, including devastating airstrikes on Gaza and Israel, the heightened violence in the West Bank, and the evolving dynamics in the region, have thrust this conflict into the global spotlight once again. The plight of civilians on both sides remains a cause for deep concern, with indiscriminate attacks and the unlawful use of lethal force only intensifying the human rights crisis. The severe humanitarian situation underscores the urgent need for humanitarian aid and a cessation of hostilities. It is a call for the international community, including regional and global powers, to remain actively engaged in facilitating negotiations and encouraging peaceful coexistence to prevent further loss of life in this troubled region.
Image courtesy of towarddust via Flickr, ©2008. Some rights reserved.
