Israeli-Palestinian conflict: Volcanic eruptions in the Middle East, world crisis descends
Did you know that at this very moment, the volcanoes of the Middle East are erupting and the crisis of the world is coming? Did you know that the fire of war between Palestine and Israel has reached you and me? If you don't already know, then please join me in uncovering the truth of this Palestinian-Israeli conflict!
Recently, there has been a new escalation in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, resulting in hundreds of deaths or injuries. On May 3, 2023, Hamas fired hundreds of rockets at Israel, triggering Israeli retaliation for airstrikes in the Gaza Strip. After a day of fighting, a ceasefire was brokered by Egypt, Qatar and the United Nations. In the West Bank, however, Israeli forces continue to clash with Palestinian protesters and have killed several Palestinians. In addition, in southern Lebanon, the Allah Party has fired missiles and mortar shells into Israel in retaliation for Israeli air strikes against it.
The Palestinian-Israeli conflict may seem like a local incident, but in fact it involves global interests and influences. What exactly caused this conflict to erupt? And what impact will it have on world peace and security? Let's break it down:
· The question of the holy city of Jerusalem. Jerusalem is a holy site for Judaism, Christianity and Islam, and a city claimed by both Palestine and Israel as the capital. In mid-April, during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, Israeli police clashed violently with Palestinian protesters near the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem's Old City, injuring hundreds of people. Meanwhile, in the Sheikh Jarrah district of eastern Jerusalem, the Israeli authorities' plan to evict some Palestinian families has sparked a Palestinian backlash. These incidents have inflamed tensions between Palestine and Israel, prompting Hamas to issue an ultimatum demanding that Israel withdraw from the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Sheikh Jarrah district or take military action.
This issue is the core and focus of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, and it is also the most difficult to resolve. Jerusalem is not only religious and historical, but also politically and strategic. Palestinians consider Jerusalem to be their capital and their national symbol. The Israelites believed that Jerusalem was their eternal capital and their national security. Neither side is willing to compromise or compromise on this issue, and the international community does not have a unified position or solution. Therefore, the question of Jerusalem has become the biggest obstacle to the Palestinian-Israeli peace process and the most vulnerable trigger for violent conflict.
· The Iranian factor. Iran is a major backer of Palestinian militant groups such as Hamas and has always had hostile relations with Israel. Iran's influence and nuclear program in the Middle East have been feared and attacked by Israel. Some of the rockets used by Hamas were reportedly supplied or manufactured by Iran, which has also publicly expressed support for Hamas's actions.
This factor is the external driving force behind the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and a destabilizing factor in the Middle East. The hatred and confrontation between Iran and Israel has transcended the bilateral scope and has spread throughout the Middle East and the international community.
· U.S. policy changes. The United States is an important promoter and participant in the Palestinian-Israeli peace process and a major ally and helper of Israel. However, during the Trump administration, the United States adopted a pro-Israel stance on the Palestinian-Israeli issue, including recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital, recognizing the Golan Heights as Israeli territory, withdrawing from the Iranian nuclear agreement, and sanctioning Iran. These measures have aroused dissatisfaction and opposition from countries such as Palestine and Iran, and have also weakened the influence and neutrality of the United States in the Middle East. After the Biden administration took office, although it said that it would resume aid to Palestine, restart nuclear negotiations with Iran, and promote the two-state solution, it did not make obvious progress in practical actions. In this Palestinian-Israeli conflict, the United States did not play an active mediating role, but reiterated its support for Israel's right to self-defense, which caused dissatisfaction in Palestine and other countries.
This factor is the internal constraint of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, as well as the expectations and frustrations of the international community. As a world superpower and a major power in the Middle East, the United States has an important influence and responsibility for the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. The United States must maintain its special relationship with Israel while balancing its relations with countries such as Arab countries and Iran. The United States should not only support Palestine and Israel to achieve peaceful coexistence, but also prevent greater turmoil and crisis in the Middle East. The United States must not only safeguard its interests and influence in the Middle East, but also deal with challenges and competition from other major powers such as Russia and the mainland. The difficulties and pressures facing the United States on the Palestinian-Israeli issue are unprecedented.
· Internal political crisis. Both sides face internal political crises and divisions. On the Palestinian side, the postponement of parliamentary elections scheduled for 22 May this year has sparked popular discontent and protests. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas said the postponement of the election was due to Israel's refusal to allow Palestinians east of Jerusalem to vote.
This factor is the internal driving force of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, as well as a test and opportunity for the leaders of both sides. Both sides need to increase their legitimacy and trust by resolving their internal political crises.
To sum up, we can see that this Palestinian-Israeli conflict is not a simple incident, but a complex issue. It involves religion, history, politics, economy, military, nuclear energy and other aspects, as well as the United States, Iran, Russia, China and other countries. It has not only caused enormous losses and suffering to both Palestine and Israel, but also caused serious impacts and challenges to the Middle East region and the international community.
So, how should we view this Palestinian-Israeli conflict? Which side should we stand on? How should we contribute to the Israeli-Palestinian peace process? I want to hear your views and suggestions, please leave a message in the comment area!