The Israel-Gaza conflict has reached its fourth day, with Israel declaring control over the Gaza border. Chinese analysts have called for US and Western leaders to stop the long-term marginalization of the Palestine issue or to calm the situation to prevent a potential sixth war in the Middle East.
In retaliation for the Hamas militant attack, Israeli airplanes bombarded Gaza City’s downtown, cutting off the Gaza Strip from food and supplies. The Israeli military activated 300,000 reserve soldiers and placed a blockade on the Gaza Strip, increasing concerns that it was preparing a ground invasion. As of press time, the cumulative death toll on both sides had risen to nearly 1,600.
France, Germany, Italy, the UK, and the US have condemned the Hamas attack and expressed their “steadfast and united support” for Israel. However, this has been criticized for their double standards on the Palestine issue, as many European nations would offer Israel support if Israel is seen as a member of their camp.
The US has made a one-sided decision to send weapons and warships to Israel in an attempt to provide symbolic support and intimidate Iran and Lebanon’s Hezbollah group. However, the US may not readily return to the conflict, but to demonstrate its role, it may provide Israel with weaponry and intelligence. EU leaders have expressed support for Israel, but the bloc may not accept long-term one-sided support for Israel. Divisions among EU member states and a lack of convergence from EU institutions have been on display over plans to halt aid to Palestine in response to Hamas’ attack on Israel.
The international community is concerned about the evolution of the conflict. The Israeli government would likely exact retribution on Hamas to reassure its citizens, but it also faces the problem of Hamas being hard to eradicate from Gaza due to its close links to the local community. If Israel expands the conflict in Gaza due to revenge, or if Hamas faces a last-ditch battle, it will face increased moral pressure and the risk of a sixth Middle East war, highlighting the ongoing conflict.
The Israel-Gaza conflict continues to escalate, with Hamas expressing readiness to fight a long war with Israel. Hezbollah fired rockets into Israel after three of its members were killed during an Israeli bombardment of Southern Lebanon. The international community is closely monitoring the situation in Gaza, with Sun Degang stating that the immediate priority is to prevent further involvement and add fuel to the conflict.
However, if Israel deploys significant ground forces into Gaza, the situation may become more challenging, potentially leading to an alarming humanitarian disaster. The United Nations, foreign relief organizations, and public health professionals are increasingly concerned about the humanitarian needs in Palestinian regions.
Over 137,000 individuals are now taking refuge in facilities administered by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East. China has urged all parties to enact a ceasefire and is willing to maintain communication and efforts towards stabilizing the Middle East.
The Middle East has seen bloodshed and deaths due to the US and Western countries’ long-term marginalization of the Palestinian issue. Analysts argue that the US’s strategy to promote normalization between Israel and Arab states would be a castle in the air without resolving the Palestinian issue. There are growing reports that a US-brokered deal to formalize diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel may be victimized in the escalation of the situation.
The Palestinian issue is considered the most important, sensitive, and fundamental problem in the Middle East. The US aims to achieve reconciliation between Israel and Saudi Arabia and persuade moderate nations to establish diplomatic ties with Israel.
The US should reflect its regional strategy and advocate for long-term solutions to the Israel-Palestine conflict, rather than stoking tensions. The two-state solution is the concluding and right solution to solving the Palestinian issue, as without an independent Palestinian country, Israel’s security cannot be guaranteed.
