Tensions in the Middle East, in particular between the Israelis and the Palestinians, remain an intractable source of destruction. The roots of this conflict date to the end of the British colonial era in 1948; today, unresolved issues, including commitment to either a one-state or two-state solution, as well as periodic and persistent violence from both sides, have turned it into an intractable conflict.
The Middle East is an enduring cradle of civilisation, boasting centuries-old roots that span over a millennia. Understanding its cultural milieu is crucial to apprehending current tensions such as those witnessed in the aftermath of Ismail Haniyeh and Hassan Nasrallah's martyrdoms, whereby the respective movements these two served remain powerful and continue to struggle against their combined oppressor despite suffering numerous setbacks.
The role of neighbouring Syria in the conflict has been multifaceted. Historically, it has positioned itself as a champion of Palestinian rights while simultaneously pursuing its own strategic interests. The Syrian government has supported various Palestinian factions, including Islamic Jihad, fostering a network of resistance groups that challenge both the Israeli occupation and internal rivalries within the Palestinian society. However, Syria's civil war has shifted its focus, complicating its ability to project power or influence as it grapples with its internal turmoil.
Beyond Hamas and Hezbollah, several other military groups have emerged as significant players in the resistance against Israel and in addressing sectarian strife. Groups like the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) and various splinter factions have sought to maintain relevance amidst the changing geopolitical landscapes. Their existence reflects the complex tapestry of Palestinian identity and resistance, showcasing the struggle against both external aggression and internal divisions.
Damascus and Lebanon, home to significant Palestinian populations, became a refuge for many after the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. The presence of Palestinian armed groups, notably the PLO, transformed Lebanon into a battleground in the 1970s, leading to a devastating civil war (1975-1990). The conflict fuelled sectarian tensions and drew Israel into Lebanon during the 1982 invasion, aimed at dismantling Palestinian bases.
The Oslo Accords of the 1990s initially raised hopes for lasting peace, yet their eventual failure led to renewed violence. The assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin in 1995 by a right-wing extremist underscored the deep divisions within Israeli society and significantly hindered the peace process. In the years that followed, Mahmoud Abbas of the PLO and Yasser Arafat found themselves at odds over strategies for peace, further complicating efforts to achieve a lasting resolution.
In 2000, the Camp David Summit brought together Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, aiming to finalise a peace agreement. Despite intensive negotiations, the summit collapsed, primarily over the contentious issue of Jerusalem.
Dialogue, mutual understanding, and cultural exchange are essential steps toward conflict resolution; root causes, such as Israeli occupation and the Palestinian refugee situation, must also be tackled to achieve lasting harmony
Arafat's refusal to concede on East Jerusalem, home to significant religious sites, was seen as a failure to compromise, while Barak's proposals were viewed as inadequate by the Palestinians. The fallout ignited the Second Intifada, further entrenching divisions.
From the West Bank and the Gaza Strip to East Jerusalem, all the land from the river to the sea, Jews claim to have synagogues, and Palestinians to be its inhabitants. Conflict can often be understood in binary terms; however, this fails to capture all aspects and voices within both communities involved in their differences and clashes. Religion, social dynamics, political ambitions, economic realities, and environmental concerns all must be acknowledged for an increased understanding of such situations.
This brings us to the latest conflict which has once again inflamed the region. Since October 7, 2023, Israel's military actions have caused over 47,788 Palestinian deaths, 75% of them were women and children. Simultaneously, some 98,794 people are injured. But Israel is not done yet, and the massacres continue. Around 10,000 people are believed to be injured under the rubble. Older people and women have been badly injured. This humanitarian tragedy since 1967 requires considerable scrutiny, particularly by UN agencies and United States politicians, for not acting more quickly to stop it.
Identity has long been at the core of the Israel-Palestine conflict, as both communities contend with identity politics complications caused by the violence. Tensions have inflamed feelings of alienation and anxiety among both communities that hinder reconciliation efforts. Conflicts tend to be reduced into binary terms by viewers without taking into account all their dimensions - religion, social dynamics, political ambitions, economic realities, or environmental concerns that play their part. UN agencies and the US administration have become puppets to powerful interests; leaving Palestinians suffering under ongoing violence since 1964 without relief or recourse.
Unfortunately, the recent strife has deepened feelings of alienation and anxiety, further complicating efforts toward reconciliation and peace. Though grave challenges lie ahead in the Middle East peace process, there remains hope for lasting stability. Dialogue, mutual understanding, and cultural exchange are essential steps toward conflict resolution; root causes, such as Israeli occupation and the Palestinian refugee situation, must also be tackled to achieve lasting harmony in this part of the world. Furthermore, addressing root causes such as Israeli occupation, Palestinian refugees' sufferings, and shared security concerns will play an integral part in reaching lasting peace.
Amidst it all, Iran's ballistic missile attacks targeting Israeli military and nuclear sites represented a necessary response to ongoing aggression and underscored the threat of the conflict spiralling across the region. Many see Iran's strike against Israeli nuclear facilities as rightful resistance against perceived oppressors - this resonates with groups like Hezbollah and Hamas, who see themselves as upholding Palestinian rights; groups respectively led by Nasrallah and Haniyeh became icons of resilience through martyrdom as part of this resistance struggle; their sacrifices have elevated their popularity. They are now symbols of the resistance against Israeli aggression.
By opening channels of dialogue between the two communities while respecting each other more openly and confronting root issues head-on, we can hope to see an optimistic and harmonious future emerge in this deeply fractured region; therein lies its hope for healing and coexistence.
An effort at lasting peace in the Middle East requires going beyond simplistic narratives. The violence against Palestinians must stop, and dialogue among all stakeholders must take precedence; respecting all cultures while tackling root causes may one day result in a more peaceful region. The unenviable circumstances and ghastly situations necessitate a full stop to ongoing war and bombardments.