America’s Israel question

In a significant move at the UN General Assembly last week, a non-binding resolution advocating for an immediate humanitarian truce in Gaza sailed through with a vote tally of 120-14.

The resounding mandate garnered in the General Assembly underscores the prevailing sentiment among the majority of member-states, which are earnestly urging a cessation of hostilities and a conclusive resolution to the ongoing conflict in the region. The resolution’s core demands encompass full compliance with international law to safeguard civilian lives. It specifically urges Israel to rescind its emergency evacuation order in the northern Gaza Strip while standing firmly against the forced displacement of Palestinian civilians. Moreover, the resolution underscores the necessity of a just and lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, predicated on the Two-State Solution.

In the United Nations General Assembly, this resolution garnered 120 votes in favour among its 193 member states. Fourteen nations voted against it, and 45 opted to abstain. Notably, Israel and the United States cast their dissenting votes, citing the resolution’s omission of any reference to Hamas. In contrast, France lent its support to the truce, while Germany, Italy, and Britain chose to abstain. However, this resolution was not expected to make any change in the complexion of the on-going barbarism of Israel in Gaza.

The ineffectiveness of this resolution and numerous international initiatives aimed at resolving the Israel-Palestine conflict within the UN framework raises a pressing question: Why haven’t these endeavours translated into tangible progress? The answer is conspicuously straightforward. It is the US, wielding its veto power in the UN Security Council, that has effectively stymied the peace process, effectively transforming it into yet another battleground for Washington’s geopolitical maneuvers.

In its blatantly unilateral support for Israel, the Biden administration is trying to snub all the peace-making efforts by the international community. In recent weeks, the actions undertaken by the Biden administration reflect a distinctly old-guard approach, marked by a conspicuous alignment with the Israeli government. Unfortunately, these actions have exhibited a notable lack of consideration for the sentiments and concerns of the international community and other individuals who have been profoundly affected by the loss of numerous Palestinian civilian lives.

The mantra of ‘Israel’s right to self-defence’ is being excessively used by the US to facilitate Israel in unleashing one of the worst bombardment in Gaza, which was even described by the New York Times as “one of the most intense of the 21st century, prompting growing global scrutiny of its scale, purpose and cost to human life.”

Statements like the one made by White House Spokesman John Kirby, who suggested that a ceasefire would primarily benefit Hamas, are seriously callous. While a ceasefire may indeed have some benefits for Hamas, it is equally evident that it would also alleviate the suffering of millions of ordinary civilians in Gaza.

Additionally, in response to progressive lawmakers on Capitol Hill who called for greater restraint from Israel, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre used strong language, deeming their remarks “repugnant” and “disgraceful”. The recurring assertion from officials of the Biden administration, emphasizing ‘Israel’s right to self-defence’, is being viewed as a shield to cover up Israel’s blatant human rights violations in Gaza.

But the pricking question being asked by the international community is: to what extent is it justifiable for Israel to inflict suffering on Palestinian civilians in response to the Hamas attacks, and how is the US’s support to Israel aggravating the miseries of the Palestinians? Even the State Department staff has been restricted from using phrases such as “end to violence/bloodshed” and “restoring calm” while talking to the media about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. President Biden and his spokespersons have been making statements that suggest scepticism about the accuracy of casualty counts provided by officials in Gaza, a contention that independent journalists and non-partisan organizations have refuted.

It leaves no shadow of doubt that the Biden administration seems to prioritize Israeli interests over those of the Palestinians. While President Biden and his team acknowledge that ordinary Palestinian civilians are not affiliated with Hamas and are innocent of involvement in the October 7 attacks, their actions are seen as not entirely aligned with this acknowledgment.

Israel’s airstrikes appear to be less about specifically targeting Hamas and more about imposing a broader punitive response on the entire population of Gaza. The US, by not taking a more critical and neutral stance, is seen as tacitly endorsing these actions. With Israel seemingly executing the second phase of its military response to the October 7 attack, it is imperative for the US government to take a more overt and resolute stance, advocating for heightened restraint on Israel’s part.

The Biden administration should convey a deep concern for the sanctity of both Palestinian and Israeli lives, rather than treating one as paramount while merely paying lip service to the other. The clock is ticking, and it is crucial for President Biden and his team to act in the best interests of both Israelis and Palestinians.

The writer is a freelance contributor.