Israel-Palestine conflict: Situation is turning complex

Chinmay Prasun Biswas :

Along with the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, the world has been witnessing another clash between Israel and Hamas is continuing for more than a month.

The armed conflict began on 7th October causing thousands of deaths and casualties on both sides.

According to sources, at around 6.30 a.m. on 7th October this year Hamas announced the start calling it Operation Al-Aqsa Flood.

Thereafter it started firing over 5000 rockets from the Gaza Strip in to Israel within just 20 minutes.

Israeli sources reported that at least 3000 projectiles had been launched from Gaza.

Two sides take part in any war but gradually others become involved supporting or refuting directly or indirectly. So far, a total of around 12,000 Palestinians including women and children have been killed by Israeli attack on Gaza exclave.

It has now become a mass-graveyard for children. According to the United Nations, almost 1/3rd of 23 lakhs residents of Gaza have become homeless.

History informs that during the World War II there were two warring sides – the Axis Power led by Germany, Italy, and Japan.

The other was Allied Power led by France, the United Kingdom, Russia and the United States. Similar is the situation in this armed clash between Hamas and Israel.

America, as usual, has accorded its all-out support, including arms, for Israel and has decided to impose sanction on allies of Hamas.

On 1st November the U.S. House of Representatives has passed a bill resisting international funding for Hamas which is now pending for approval of the Senate.

Through this bill the United States aims to impose sanctions on Hamas, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), or foreign individuals, entities and governments providing assistance to them.

On the other hand, Hamas is no more alone. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has expressed strong support for Hamas amidst the destruction in Gaza caused by Israeli aggression.

He stated in the country’s parliament that his government will not endorse any unilateral sanction imposed by the U.S. government.

Anwar Ibrahim emphasised that as a member of the United Nations, Malaysia only recognises the decisions of the UN Security Council for the sake of international peace and security.

Malaysia will maintain its relations with Hamas even in the face of additional sanctions imposed by the U.S. against foreign supporters of armed groups operating in Hamas and other Palestinian entities.

He clarified that Malaysia will continue its diplomatic ties with Hamas, regardless of any measures taken against the organisation.

He stated that his government is monitoring the progress of the relevant bill but did not commit to severing ties with Hamas.

Anwar Ibrahim, known for his unwavering support for the Palestinian people, made it clear that his government does not consider such measures as legitimate.

He criticised the Israeli attacks in Gaza, describing them as a paragon of barbarism in the world. He highlighted that the root cause of the 7th October attack was Israel’s encroachment into Palestinian territories.

Anwar Ibrahim also reaffirmed Malaysia’s close relationship with Hamas, emphasizing a commitment made to a senior Hamas leader in a recent phone call.

Last week, the Malaysian leader claimed that the U.S. government had pressured his government to change its stance on Hamas since the beginning of the conflict but Malaysia would maintain its independent position in the matter.

So far Malaysia has not provided armed support for Hamas but Hezbollah, a Lebanese armed group, has joined Hamas to fight against Israel.

In Bengali there is a proverb – not only Ram is the devastator, Sugreev has become his ally.

Another similar proverb says – with Mother Manasha there is smoke of incense.

According to Hindu scriptures, Manasha is the goddess of snakes.

Naturally, snakes are afraid of her. When smoke of incense mingles with her situation becomes terrible for snakes.

In the ongoing Hamas-Israel clash Hezbollah has appeared as Sugreev for Hamas.

Israel’s defence forces have reported that more than a dozen rockets have been launched from southern Lebanon to Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has already declared that a strong approach towards Hezbollah is being considered on the northern border but what is this Hezbollah? This is a burning question worldwide.

Literally, Hezballah means the Party of Allah or God.

It is a Lebanon-based Shia political as well as militant group which advocates for Shia empowerment all over the world. It was formed in 1992 during the 15-year Lebanese Civil War and has appeared as a state within a state.

Directly backed by Iran, from the very beginning Hezbollah is being led by its Secretary-General, as well as religious leader and political figure Hassan Nasrallah.

Almost everywhere in Lebanon, including the capital Beirut where the majority of Shia Muslims reside, Hezbollah has a significant presence and dominance.

Both Hezbullah and Hamas refuse to recognise the existence of Israel.

These two groups are designated as militant organisations by Israel, the United States and their friendly nations. In 1978, Israeli forces entered southern Lebanon.

According to the Council on Foreign Relations in New York, tension between Israel and Lebanon has been continuing since then.

After formation of the Hezbollah they also consider Israel as their main enemy.

The Council on Foreign Relations has revealed that even after the formal withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon in 2000, clashes with Hezbollah has been continuing.

This group has been in continuous conflict with Israel in a protracted manner for several decades.

In 2006 month-long armed clash occurred between Hezbollah and Israel.

Hezbollah has been held responsible for multiple attacks on Israelis abroad.

According to the Council on Foreign Relations, Hezbollah is no longer confined to Lebanon only.

They have supporters in Africa, America and Asia. During the civil war of Syria, Hezbollah also expressed support for the Syrian government, alongwith Iran and Russia.

In the recent election in Lebanon, Hezbollah faced a decrease in its representation in the 128-member parliament as a political party.

Though Israel is the common enemy of both Hamas and Hezbollah, these two groups have some difference between them. While Hezbollah is part of the Shia branch of Islam, Hamas is affiliated with the Sunni sect.

Hamas controls the Gaza Strip while Hezbollah has presence in different parts of Lebanon. Iran is a country of Shia Muslims but both of these groups receive support from Iran, as claimed. This happens because Iran considers Israel as its enemy. The strategic theory is – enemy of my enemy is my friend.

According to Israel, Tehran is said to provide them with arms supplies as well as military training. Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said in last month -“The octopus of global terrorism is Iran. One arm of that octopus is Hezbollah and the other is Hamas.”

Israel’s defence forces announced that they have eliminated many militants coming from Lebanon into Israel. Israel has also stated that they have given a proportional response by firing about 15 rockets back into Lebanon from the northern region.

On the other hand, in a statement a spokesman of Hamas has said, “Palestine should not be mistaken for Ukraine by others.

If any foreign power decides to intervene in the conflict between Israel and Hamas, a different arrangement will be made.”

Certainly they have some strongholds to assert like this.

Despite direct armed American support situation is not so easy for Israel.

(The writer is a former
Commissioner of Taxes.)