The Israel-Palestine conflict is rampant in the region of the Middle East and has long eluded a firm resolution. It has forced generations of Palestinians to bear the brunt of heinous atrocities and war crimes, perpetrated by Israel, which continue unabated. As Saturday, the death toll stands at at least 44,303 Palestinians since the escalation that transpired on 7 October 2023. This alarming scenario underscores the need to effectively implement practical solutions to mitigate and resolve this looming crisis that has caused the region to become embroiled in a long-standing conflict.
As a matter of grave concern, the world leaders stand complicit in Israel’s genocidal massacre and remain apathetic about securing a long-term solution. Similarly, the international diplomatic efforts to broker a peaceful settlement have also made limited headway with no solution in sight. This serves as a ghastly warning that Palestine has ceased to be a priority in the realm of global affairs. As outrageous as it may sound, all that the leaders and institutions have achieved thus far is mastering the art of political rhetoric and sugar-coating this unpalatable truth. It cannot be understated how conveniently Netanyahu, a war criminal with the blood of innocent Palestinians in his hands, was recently honoured with the privilege of addressing the prestigious platform of Congress. Not only that, he was hailed as a hero for a lacklustre speech and received a boisterous standing ovation as well.
Throughout the course of history, numerous accords, negotiations and agreements have failed not only because they have not been implemented in letter and spirit but because they have been based on the flawed premise that Israel will act against its own rational interests. It cannot be reiterated enough how the USA has abetted Israel’s flagrant violation of human rights and international law with a callous disregard for humanity. Such dilemmas reveal the double standards of the global hegemon. The tacit condoning of Israel’s military manoeuvres has simply emboldened its unbridled regional ambitions. As a result, the USA’s role as an effective arbitrator has reached its nadir. Its bipartisan support towards Israel acts as nothing more than a bulwark against Israel’s opprobrium, contributing to the impasse in the peace process.
Amid a spiralling humanitarian catastrophe and escalation of the regional conflict, a militarised solution will prove fruitless, albeit a political and diplomatic endeavour will catalyse and effectuate the desired change. Hence, it is imperative for the USA to suspend military aid to the oppressor and stop nullifying UNSC actions that hold Israel accountable for its oppression. It is now essential for the US to put an end to the impunity enjoyed by Israel implicated in genocidal killings. This necessitates that the USA upholds its legacy as a pioneer of the liberal international order and abandons policies that are Israel-oriented.
Moreover, the United Nations has also been unable to undertake meaningful actions and employ a principled approach to tackle the protracted war. This inaction has rendered the pursuit of durable peace futile and crushed Palestinian hopes for independence.
We must realize that this crisis is no longer confined to the historical antagonism between two nations. It calls into question the essence of our shared humanity. This demands a humanitarian solution by forging a pathway directed towards harmony and stability. Our world leaders and international institutions, whom we have entrusted with promoting peace, justice and human rights, are obliged to uphold their collective responsibilities.Â
The UN should now cease to be a mere ‘toothless tiger’. It should play its vital role by implementing non-amendment reform through enactment of the Veto Initiative, allowing the institution to adapt flexibly by reinterpreting the charter. The UN must take concrete steps to reinforce humanitarian interests in the decision-making process as well as promote responsible exercise of veto powers by holding permanent members accountable.
This will prove integral in empowering the General Assembly to convene when the Security Council is paralysed. In addition, strict penalties are also warranted. These must be imposed upon violating the charter, causing defaulter states like Israel to potentially lose its powers. Some of these penalties include revoking Israel’s right to speak at the forum of the General Assembly, reducing the number of positions held by its nationals, cutting UN funding, suspending Israel from UN meetings, or suspending Israel’s UN membership entirely, as the last resort.
In the quest to achieve long-term peace and stability, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) should spur into action as a collective body and reemerge as an advocate for peace and justice in the conflict. It should facilitate dialogue between both parties, in addition to building coalitions to navigate the diplomatic challenges.
Given the gravity and urgency of the situation, securing an immediate ceasefire in Gaza should be prioritised. Additionally, it is crucial that the political conditions conducive for achieving sustainable peace, self-determination and sovereignty for Palestinians should be met. More importantly, the UN Member States should unequivocally commit to implementing the two-state solution along pre-1967 lines and thereby, putting an end to the illegal annexation of Palestinian territory.
In an effort to tighten the noose around Israel, the European Union can follow suit by imposing tougher penalties and banning settlement-linked entities and products, in addition to which, it is also imperative to thoroughly monitor arms and technology sales with Israel. Furthermore, the EU should also assess Israel’s commitment to human rights and most essentially, recognise the Palestinian statehood as well.
We must realize that this crisis is no longer confined to the historical antagonism between two nations. It calls into question the essence of our shared humanity. This demands a humanitarian solution by forging a pathway directed towards harmony and stability. Our world leaders and international institutions, whom we have entrusted with promoting peace, justice and human rights, are obliged to uphold their collective responsibilities. They can no longer turn a blind eye to the region that has been mired in violence and chaos since decades. It is time that they should come together to fulfil the lofty promise of advancing peace and alleviating Palestine’s misery because this carnage is likely to persist unless we witness a fundamental shift in the balance of power which is currently in favour of the tyrant Israel.
