- The ongoing Israel-Hamas confrontation triggered by the unprecedented daring attack by the latter has all the ingredients to precipitate a major showdown involving several other equally important actors in the Middle East. At the best of times, the situation in the Middle East continues to simmer under the surface owing to the fragile peace prevailing in the region. The war-like situation was triggered by Hamas’s unprovoked attack on the Israeli side of the disputed settlement where thousands of innocent lives were sacrificed for no fault of theirs. Taken aback by the unexpected attack amid massive intelligence failure, the Israeli leadership was bound to respond in kind, and the ongoing airstrikes on the Gaza Strip are testimony to the same.
PC: BNN
- Mind you, the entire region is a potential powder keg that could trigger an extraordinary human crisis if the war escalates beyond control. The whole world is aware of how Israel is itching to get back at Hamas by preparing to launch a ground offense by issuing an unabashed warning to the people to vacate the Gaza settlement. Unfortunately, the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza witnessed a deadly explosion killing more than 500 innocent lives. Many of those killed or injured had sought shelter there to escape from Israeli shelling elsewhere. As per Palestinian officials, the estimate of the death toll may be humongous leading to further escalation of tension in the region. The global leadership led by the US must ensure the tension subsides as soon as possible.
- As Israel blames Palestinian Islamic Jihad and Hamas blames Israel for the explosion, and different countries line up behind one account or the other basis their strategic calculations, one thing is clear in the fog of war is how utterly besieged people are in Gaza. They are not safe in their homes as Israeli bombardment reduces neighborhoods to rubble. Sadly, there is no shelter forthcoming among their Arab neighbors either. Egypt has closed the Rafah crossing, which is the only exit from Gaza that does not lead to Israel. As the images of suffering in Gaza travel the world, so do probing questions for Israel and its counteroffensive. Hamas’s inhumanity is inarguable. But Israel is correctly expected to abide by international law and to avoid civilian casualties from escalating.
PC: timesofisrael
- Many sane voices within Israel are trying to inject this geopolitical common sense into their government. It’s another matter altogether whether they get a real hearing which would potentially decide the future course of war. The US President has the best odds of persuading Netanyahu that his schemes to demolish Hamas should spare non-combatants. It looks like Israel’s actions have gone beyond the right of self-defense and into collective punishment. The more the Arab public opinion solidifies around this sentiment, the more will Arab rulers walk back from the peace process. Surprisingly, the element of hypocrisy on these Arab government’s part is not insignificant. Israel must show restraint and statesmanship to avert the unfolding human tragedy.
