On the face of the Israel-Palestine War

Introduction

The roots of the Israel-Palestine war date back to World War II, when Israel declared itself as an independent state, with control over most parts of Palestine. However, Israel did not have control over the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Approximately, a total of 700,000 Palestinians fled Palestine as a result of the conflict. Fast forward to 2023, the conflict has risen, becoming a war. Over 3,000 lives have been lost on both sides due to the war.

A surprise attack by the Hamas group on October 7 on Israel killed hundreds and many more people were abducted. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in response stated the war was forced upon Israel and that they will finish it. Over 6,000 Israeli bombs have struck Gaza since October 7. Moreover, a 24-hour ultimatum was given to people living in the Gaza strip to evacuate the areas by Israel, possibly indicating further escalation of the war. While Human Rights Watch accused Israel of using white phosphorus munitions in its military operations in Gaza and Lebanon, the Israeli military has denied it.

Hamas and the Palestinian Authority

Hamas is a Sunni Islamist political organization that serves as the de facto government of the Gaza Strip, exercising power over 2 million people. Hamas was founded in 1987, with the full form standing as Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiya (or Islamic Resistance Movement). Hamas was able to gain full control on the Gaza Strip by 2007, ousting the rival party, Fatah. Various western states including the United States(US), United Kingdom(UK) and Canada have labeled Hamas as a terrorist organization.

Since the mid- 1990s, the Palestinian Authority (PA) has been in charge of managing some of the Israeli-occupied West Bank territory. Although its establishment was intended to pave the way for a Palestinian state with full independence, it is now thought to have little actual power and is run by the Israeli military. They are dominated by Fatah, a political party founded by the Palestinian diaspora.

Reasons for war

According to experts, Hamas wanted to put Palestine on the regional and international agenda, as the idea of an independent Palestine was nowhere in sight. The causes of the war lie in Israel’s relations with Palestine and Hamas. Moreover, in a recorded message, the leader of the military wing of Hamas said that the operation was launched so that the enemy understands that the time of rampaging without accountability has ended. Another one of the major reasons is the increasing normalcy of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had a month earlier said negotiations were underway to establish ties with Israel. This could mean that independent Palestine no longer being a priority to the Arabian countries, triggering Hamas to take the devastating move.

Implications on Nepal

A total of 10 Nepali students were killed by the attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7. Further, 4 people are injured and one is still missing. As stated by Nepali Foreign Minister NP Saud, a total of 2,500 Nepalis were working in Israel as caregivers and 265 students were studying in Israel under the ‘Learn and Earn’ scheme.

In a rescue operation from the government, a total of 254 Nepalis were repatriated back to Nepal. While Minister Saud himself was present in the flight and facilitated the rescue operation, he has assured other Nepalis awaiting return will be rescued soon. In additional efforts, the government has urged Nepali caregivers to postpone their visit to Israel. A total of 24 Nepali caregivers were urged to cancel their visit to Israel given the state of war in Israel.

Israel’s Response and Divided International Voices

In response to the attack by the Hamas group, Israel has stopped the supply of electricity, food, water and fuel into the Gaza Strip. Further, the strikes from Israel were indiscriminate and hit hospitals and mosques. Some of them have hit ambulances as well. This kind of response from Israel has garnered different reactions from different corners of the world.

Countries such as the UK, US, France, Japan, Canada, Germany, Ukraine, and Spain, among others, condemned Hamas; with US supporting Israel to help exercise their hard power. However, Russia, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, and Turkiye were among those countries who favored Palestine. 

United Nation (UN)’s human rights chief Volker Turk has condemned the attack and has called to de-escalate the war. The chief further stated that crucial life-saving supplies like fuel, food and water – not be stopped and be allowed into Gaza. He added that such stopping of essentials was prohibited under international humanitarian law. Moreover, Ursula von der Leyen, chief of the European Union(EU) has also called against the war. While most of the countries remain divided on the war, most have called for de-escalation, given the casualties on both sides.

Uncertain circumstances

The Israel-Palestine war has been dragged on since decades. Hospitals in Gaza have been reported of running low on supplies and fuel, putting lives of people at a further risk. The UN’s sole power plant shut down after Israel completely sealed the territory. Doctors in Gaza have warned of patients being at an increased risk of death due to unavailability of electricity and fuel to run the equipment. 

Moreover, the UN Security Council rejected a resolution by Russia, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. While the resolution required 9 votes in favor to be passed, it received only 5. With the increased shortage in supplies and mixed reactions from various states around the world, the hostility falls short to end soon. Both the parties must come around to a possible negotiation, with powerful states taking a neutral stance and role that of a mediator; rather than taking sides.