- The scale of Israel’s aggression in Gaza has been catastrophic. The bombing campaign has flattened entire neighbourhoods, destroyed critical infrastructure, and resulted in a staggering death toll, with tens of thousands of Palestinians, a large percentage of whom are women and children, killed. Hospitals are overwhelmed and lacking essential supplies, food and water are scarce, and millions have been displaced, confined to ever-shrinking safe zones, enduring unimaginable suffering
The Middle East, a cradle of civilisations and a land of profound spiritual significance, has for decades been synonymous with conflict, particularly the unresolved Israeli-Palestinian struggle. The recent escalation, marked by the horrific October 7th attack by Hamas and Israel’s subsequent devastating aggression in Gaza, has plunged the region into an unprecedented crisis.
This cycle of violence underscores, with tragic clarity, that the only viable and sustainable path to long-lasting peace is the establishment of a two-state solution. This article will delve into the historical roots of the conflict, analyse the recent events and their dire consequences, examine the stance of international actors, and ultimately argue for the urgent and rightful justification of an independent Palestinian state.
A Brief History of Entangled Destinies
The historical narrative of Palestine and Israel is a complex tapestry woven with threads of deep religious, cultural, and national identities, often intertwined and at times, tragically opposed. The roots of the modern conflict trace back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries with the rise of Zionism, a movement advocating for a Jewish homeland in historic Palestine, a region then under Ottoman rule. Jewish immigration to Palestine increased, particularly after the Balfour Declaration of 1917, which expressed British support for “a national home for the Jewish people” in Palestine, and following the Holocaust, which intensified the urgent need for a safe haven for Jewish people.
At the same time, a nascent Palestinian Arab nationalism was also emerging, asserting their claim to the land. The end of the British Mandate in 1947 saw the United Nations propose a partition plan, dividing Palestine into separate Arab and Jewish states, with Jerusalem as an international city. This plan was accepted by the Jewish leadership but rejected by Arab leaders. The subsequent withdrawal of British forces in 1948 led to the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, resulting in the establishment of the State of Israel on a larger territory than initially proposed by the UN, and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, known as the Nakba (“catastrophe”).
The 1967 Six-Day War further reshaped the map, with Israel occupying the West Bank, East Jerusalem, Gaza Strip, Golan Heights, and Sinai Peninsula. These occupied territories, particularly the West Bank and Gaza, became central to the Palestinian quest for self-determination. Over the decades, Israeli settlements have expanded significantly in the West Bank, further fragmenting Palestinian land and complicating the prospect of a contiguous, viable Palestinian state. Numerous peace initiatives have been attempted, including the Oslo Accords in the 1990s, offering glimpses of hope for a two-state solution, but ultimately failing to achieve a lasting agreement due to various political, security, and ideological obstacles.
The October 7th Attack and its Aftermath: A Cycle of Devastation
The morning of October 7, 2023, witnessed an unprecedented and horrific attack by Hamas, the militant group controlling Gaza Strip, on Israeli communities. This meticulously planned assault involved a barrage of rockets and the infiltration of militants who killed approximately 1,200 Israelis, including women and children, committed acts of sexual violence, burned families alive, and took over 250 civilians’ hostage. The brutality of the attack shocked the world and inflicted deep trauma on Israeli society.
Israel’s response, dubbed “Operation Swords of Iron,” was swift and severe. Vowing to dismantle Hamas and ensure its security, Israel launched a large-scale military offensive on the Gaza Strip, implementing a complete blockade. The scale of Israel’s aggression in Gaza has been catastrophic. The bombing campaign has flattened entire neighborhoods, destroyed critical infrastructure, and resulted in a staggering death toll, with tens of thousands of Palestinians, a large percentage of whom are women and children, killed. Hospitals are overwhelmed and lacking essential supplies, food and water are scarce, and millions have been displaced, confined to ever-shrinking safe zones, enduring unimaginable suffering. The UN and numerous humanitarian organisations have consistently highlighted the dire humanitarian situation, warning of famine and widespread disease. The present situation in Gaza is nothing short of a humanitarian catastrophe, with the strip rendered largely uninhabitable.
Iran Israel Conflict Impacts Palestine
The Iran-Israel conflict significantly impacts Palestine, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation. As both Iran and Israel vie for regional influence, Palestine often becomes a proxy battleground.
Iran’s support for groups like Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) in Gaza, while framed as support for resistance, can also draw Israeli retaliation, leading to further destruction and casualties in Palestinian territories. Palestinians, particularly in Gaza, bear the brunt of Israeli military operations, with infrastructure decimated, and access to essential resources severely restricted by blockades.
The heightened tensions divert international attention from the core Israeli-Palestinian conflict, focusing instead on the broader regional power struggle. This can sideline efforts for a political resolution to the Palestinian cause. Furthermore, the escalation fuels instability in the West Bank, leading to increased military raids, settler violence, and displacement. Ultimately, Palestinians suffer from intensified conflict, reduced humanitarian access, and a prolonged struggle for self-determination
The USA Stand: A Pivotal Yet Ambiguous Role
The United States has historically played a central and complex role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, consistently advocating for a two-state solution as the ultimate path to peace. However, its actions have often been perceived as disproportionately favouring Israel, particularly through substantial military aid and diplomatic support. Following the October 7th attacks, the U.S. unequivocally condemned Hamas and reaffirmed its unwavering support for Israel’s right to self-defence. While initially supportive of Israel’s military objectives, the Biden administration has increasingly expressed concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the high civilian casualties, urging Israel to do more to protect civilians and facilitate aid.
Despite these concerns, the U.S. has often shielded Israel from stronger international condemnation at the UN Security Council and has been hesitant to impose conditions on its aid. This approach, while rooted in a desire to maintain a strong alliance with Israel, has been criticised for undermining its stated commitment to a two-state solution and for not exerting sufficient pressure to de-escalate the conflict and address the root causes of Palestinian grievances. While the U.S. continues to verbally support the two-state solution, concrete steps towards its realisation have been lacking, and its influence on the ground remains a subject of intense debate.
UN and World Opinion: A Growing Consensus for Two States
The United Nations, along with the overwhelming majority of the international community, views the two-state solution as the only viable framework for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. UN Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338, adopted after the 1967 and 1973 wars respectively, call for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied territories and the acknowledgement of the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence of every state in the area, including the right to live in peace within secure and recognised boundaries. These resolutions form the bedrock of international consensus on the contours of a future peace agreement.
Globally, there is a strong and growing consensus that an independent, sovereign Palestinian state living side-by-side with Israel in peace and security is essential. Many countries, including a significant number of UN member nations (over 145 out of 193), have already recognised Palestine as an independent state. International bodies, human rights organisations, and a broad spectrum of civil society groups have consistently called for an end to the occupation, the cessation of settlement expansion, and the realisation of Palestinian self-determination. The current humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza has only intensified these calls, highlighting the urgent need for a political solution that addresses the fundamental rights and aspirations of both peoples.
Netanyahu’s Political Calculus and Regional Instability
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s political survival has become inextricably linked to his hardline stance on the conflict. Facing multiple corruption charges and a fragmented political landscape, prolonging the conflict and maintaining a strong security posture has often served his political interests. His long-held rejectionist stance towards Palestinian statehood and his government’s continued expansion of settlements in the West Bank have been significant impediments to any peace process. Critics argue that his war-mongering rhetoric and actions are designed to rally his right-wing base and distract from domestic issues, further entrenching the conflict and making a two-state solution seem increasingly remote.
The recent escalation has not only devastated Gaza but also triggered broader regional instability. The long-standing proxy conflict between Israel and Iran, which has played out in various arenas, has now escalated to direct, albeit limited, military confrontations. Iran’s direct missile and drone attack on Israel in April 2024, in retaliation for an alleged Israeli strike on its consulate in Damascus, marked a dangerous precedent. This direct engagement, previously avoided, demonstrates the heightened tensions and the potential for a wider regional conflagration, with devastating consequences for national security, economies, and political stability across the Middle East.
National Security, Economic, and Political Instability
The unresolved Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a perpetual source of national security, economic, and political instability for the entire Middle East region and, by extension, the world.
National Security: The constant cycle of violence fuels extremism and radicalisation on both sides, making the region a breeding ground for militant groups. It diverts resources from pressing domestic issues, perpetuates military buildups, and increases the risk of regional wars, as seen in the recent Iran-Israel exchange. The lack of a stable peace also makes the region vulnerable to external interventions and proxy conflicts, further destabilising the geopolitical landscape.
Economic Instability: The conflict has had a devastating economic impact, particularly on the Palestinian territories. Gaza’s economy has been decimated, with unemployment rates soaring and access to basic necessities severely restricted. Even Israel, despite its robust economy, faces significant economic costs from the conflict, including reduced investment, disrupted labor markets, and increased defence spending. Regionally, the instability deters foreign investment, disrupts trade routes (such as in the Red Sea), and leads to volatile energy prices, impacting global markets. The long-term economic prosperity of the entire Middle East is severely hampered by the absence of a stable and predictable environment for growth and development.
Political Instability: The unresolved conflict exacerbates political grievances, fuels anti-Western sentiment, and complicates efforts to foster democratic governance and regional cooperation. It creates divisions among Arab states, some of whom have sought normalisation with Israel, while others remain steadfast in their support for the Palestinian cause. The perceived injustices against Palestinians empower extremist narratives and undermine moderate voices, making political reconciliation and stable governance increasingly difficult. This political volatility has global ramifications, influencing international relations, diplomatic efforts, and the overall balance of power.
Justification for a Palestinian Independent State
The justification for a Palestinian independent state is rooted in fundamental principles of international law, human rights, and self-determination:
Right to Self-Determination: The Palestinian people, like any other people, have a fundamental right to self-determination, to freely determine their political status and pursue their economic, social, and cultural development. This right is enshrined in numerous international conventions and UN resolutions.
1947 partition plan
International Law and UN Resolutions: The 1947 UN Partition Plan, though contested, envisioned an Arab state alongside a Jewish one. Subsequent UN resolutions, particularly UN Security Council Resolutions 242 and 338, reinforce the principle of land for peace and the illegality of acquiring territory by force. The Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories since 1967 is widely considered a violation of international law.
Human Rights: The occupation has led to a system of institutionalised discrimination against Palestinians, impacting their freedom of movement, access to resources, and overall human rights. An independent state would allow Palestinians to exercise full control over their lives and ensure their fundamental rights are protected.
Security for Both Peoples: A truly independent and viable Palestinian state, alongside a secure Israel, offers the best long-term security for both peoples. Without a political horizon and the recognition of their national aspirations, Palestinians will continue to resist the occupation, leading to perpetual cycles of violence. A two-state solution, with mutually recognised borders and security guarantees, is the only way to break this cycle.
Global Stability: The unresolved conflict remains a global flashpoint, drawing in international powers and consuming diplomatic resources. A just resolution, based on the two-state principle, would significantly contribute to regional and global stability, allowing for greater focus on shared challenges such as climate change, economic development, and global health.
Trump Predicts Gaza Ceasefire “Within Next Week”
President Donald Trump announced his belief that a ceasefire in Gaza between Israel and Hamas could be achieved “within the next week.” Speaking to reporters, Trump stated he had been in contact with individuals involved in negotiations, expressing optimism for a breakthrough. This comes as international pressure mounts to halt the conflict, which has caused a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza. While details remain scarce, and neither Israel nor Hamas have publicly confirmed any imminent agreement, Trump’s announcement signals renewed efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region. The potential ceasefire follows a recent, separate US-brokered truce between Israel and Iran. Trump has become the final decision maker in most of the conflicts that took place in the Middle East including bringing in a ceasefire to the twelve-day war between Israel and Iran.
In conclusion, the current tragedy unfolding in Gaza is a stark reminder that the status quo is unsustainable. The October 7th attack and Israel’s devastating response have brought the region to the brink. While the complexities are immense and the grievances deep-seated, the path forward, illuminated by decades of international consensus, remains the two-state solution. It is a solution not merely of political convenience, but one rooted in historical precedent, international law, and the fundamental right to self-determination for both Israelis and Palestinians. The international community, particularly influential actors like the United States, must move beyond rhetorical support and exert decisive pressure to bring about a just and lasting peace, for the sake of the Middle East and global stability. Only then can the region hope to transcend its cycles of violence and embark on a future of security, dignity, and shared prosperity.
The writer, Major General Dr. Boniface Perera is a distinguished individual with a multifaceted career. He is a battle-hardened Infantry officer who served the Sri Lanka Army for over 36 years, dedicating 20 of those years to active combat. Dr. Perera is a former Security Forces Commander of the Wanni Region and Eastern Province, and he also served as the Competent Authority responsible for resettling 300,000 displaced people in the North.
In addition to his military service, Dr. Perera is a respected international researcher and writer, having authoured more than 200 research articles and 16 scientific books. He holds a PhD in economics and is an entrepreneur and international analyst specialising in national security, economics, and politics.
Source: Daily Mirror
