Israel’s military ground attack on Gaza appears imminent as internet communications with the Gaza Strip area have been disrupted. Israel should win the military war. But Benjamin Netanyahu and his government are losing the political war of public opinion. And they are dragging the United States and its allies into this defeat. Israel is certainly responding to a terrible attack by Hamas, an Islamist and totalitarian political-religious organization that wants to conquer Israel and establish an Islamist regime there. But the Israelis in Gaza and the West Bank are invaders and colonizers. This reality is bringing populations in neighboring countries to the streets and forcing governments in the region to distance themselves from the United States. Even Jordan, although a staunch Washington ally, has distanced itself. A few days ago, the King of Jordan aptly summed up the mood of the population in the Arab world during a peace conference in Cairo.
1) What did the King of Jordan say?
The words of the King of Jordan are worth mentioning because they are very clear and express a feeling that is rarely expressed in the United States or among its allies in general: “The lives of the Palestinians matter less than those of the Israelis.” Ours Life is less important than other lives. The application of international law is optional. And human rights have limits. They stop at borders, they stop at races and they stop at religions.” Jordan has also submitted a resolution to the United Nations Assembly calling for immediate supplies of essential products to the Gaza Strip.
2) How does Canada respond?
Canada responded positively to Jordan’s resolution, but called for Hamas and the hostages to be mentioned in it. The United States caused some surprise when it supported Canada’s proposed amendment. If the resolution is adopted, Israel would be forced to provide supplies to the Gaza Strip.
3) Would the Israeli government agree to such a UN resolution?
It is not clear whether Benjamin Netanyahu would agree to a UN resolution that would require supplies from Gaza. This is because Netanyahu is supported by extremist Jewish clerics who want to colonize the land of Gaza. On the other hand, several generals in the Israeli army reject the settlement policy of Jewish extremists. Unfortunately, extremists believe that a military victory would bring them full rights.
4) Where is global public opinion heading?
International attention is therefore increasingly focused on two aspects of the war that the Israeli government wants to keep quiet. Firstly, the unbearable suffering of the population in the Gaza Strip. She literally risks dying of hunger and thirst in the coming weeks. Next, the role of Jewish extremists in the Palestinian conflict. Not only are they making the situation worse, but they are increasingly seen as an obstacle to peace in the region.
5) What is the best solution to the conflict?
Israel has no choice but to try to eradicate Hamas. First militarily, then politically. However, the Israeli army should at least stop bombing the south of the Gaza Strip. Once Hamas is defeated, the best solution would be to send peacekeepers to Gaza and the West Bank to ensure the establishment of a Palestinian state and some peace. They are expected to remain there for decades.
