In a surprising turn of events, India’s Hindu majority has thrown its weight behind Israel, causing a stir on the international stage and sparking a passionate global debate on the concept of solidarity in the context of the Israel-Palestine conflict. Historically, India’s foreign policy has been largely sympathetic to the Palestinian cause, advocating a two-state solution and supporting the rights of the Palestinian people. However, recent expressions of support for Israel, primarily from elements of the Hindu population, have violated this established norm.

The reasons behind this change are complex and multifaceted. India’s Hindu majority is increasingly identifying with Israel because of perceived similarities in their historical narratives and struggles for self-determination. Some see the shared experiences of ancient civilizations, oppression and resilience, as having generated a sense of empathy and support for Israel’s right to defend itself. Additionally, religious and cultural ties between India and Israel have deepened over the years, further strengthening this new bond

The emergence of these new alliances has been particularly evident on social media platforms, where has tag posts and comments are filled with pro-Israel and pro-Palestinian sentiments, often expressed in Hebrew and Hindi, respectively. This online duel highlights the clear divisions and polarized opinions within India regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict.

As India’s Hindu majority stands in solidarity with Israel, it is forcing the world to reevaluate its understanding of geopolitical alliances and the ever-evolving dynamics of global politics. It remains to be seen how this change will impact India’s foreign policy, and whether it will lead to a more nuanced discussion on the complexities of the Israel-Palestine conflict.

The context behind Hamas’s actions: highlighting the Israel–Palestine conflict

In the field of international politics, narratives often shape our understanding of conflicts and events. The recent attack by Hamas on Israel is an example of this. Western media and political leadership have consistently called it ‘unreasonable’. However, to truly understand the Israel–Palestine conflict, one must delve into the complex historical and contemporary context that is often not mentioned.

The ‘unprovoked’ tag ignores a sobering reality: long-standing and deep-rooted tensions in the region. These tensions are marked by daily violence against Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, not only by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) but also by settlers who are given arms and cover by the Israeli state to seize Palestinian land, homes, and tragically, even life.

It is necessary to recognize that the situation in the region is not one-sided, and the roots of the conflict are very deep. This article attempts to explore the multifaceted dimensions of the Israel–Palestine conflict, shedding light on the complexities that often overshadow mainstream narratives.

Historical Context:

To truly understand the ongoing violence, one has to go back to the mid-20th century when Israel was established as a state, displacing hundreds of thousands of Palestinians from their homes. This event, known as the Nakba, remains an extremely painful and unresolved issue for Palestinians, and it continues to fuel their struggle for justice and statehood.

Daily Violence:

Daily life for Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank is marked by checkpoints, restrictions on movement, and a lack of basic resources. These conditions have given rise to deep frustration and despair. Daily violence is not only physical but also economic, emotional and psychological. For example, restrictions on the import of goods into Gaza have contributed to a high unemployment rate and a struggling economy.

Settler Violence:

Settler violence, a major aspect of the conflict that is under-reported, is on the rise. Israeli settlers, motivated by certain religious ideologies, are encroaching into Palestinian territories, often with the tacit approval of the Israeli state. This expansion often results in the theft of Palestinian land and homes, and sometimes violent clashes.

Operation Protective Edge:

The 2014 Israeli military campaign in Gaza, known as ‘Operation Protective Edge’, killed more than 2,100 Palestinians, the majority of whom were civilians. Thousands of homes and critical infrastructure were destroyed during the conflict. In the years that followed, Gaza’s reconstruction efforts have been hampered by restrictions on the import of construction materials.

The Blockade:

Gaza has been under a severe blockade for years, affecting every aspect of the lives of its residents. The blockade has restricted the flow of goods and people, worsening already dire living conditions. This isolation has led to a feeling of entrapment and despair among the population.

The Cycle of Violence:

It is important to understand the ongoing cycle of violence. Hamas, an organization designated as a terrorist group by some countries, including the United States, is viewed as a resistance movement by many Palestinians. It emerged as a response to the Israeli occupation and remains a major actor in the conflict. Although the actions of Hamas are often condemned, the conditions that have allowed it to flourish cannot be ignored.

International Implications:

The Israel–Palestine conflict is not limited to the region; This has far-reaching international implications. It has been a source of tension in the United Nations and has implications for global peace and security. The inability of the international community to find a lasting solution to the conflict raises questions about the effectiveness of diplomatic efforts.

Conclusion:

 The Israel–Palestine conflict is a deep and multifaceted issue with a long history of tensions, grievances and violence. While the recent Hamas attack on Israel has naturally raised concerns, labeling it as ‘unprovoked’ oversimplifies the complex dynamics at play.

To understand the conflicts, one needs to look at the historical context. The roots of this conflict stretch back to the mid-20th century when Israel was established as a state, resulting in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians from their homes in an event known as the Nakba. This unresolved issue remains a source of deep pain for Palestinians and a driving force behind their struggle for justice and statehood.

Daily life for Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank is affected by myriad challenges, including checkpoints, restrictions on movement, and a lack of basic resources. The resulting frustration and despair has created an environment where violence can easily erupt.

Settler violence, which is often underreported, is another worrying aspect of the conflict. Israeli settlers, motivated by religious ideologies, are encroaching into Palestinian territories, sometimes with the tacit approval of the Israeli state. This expansion often leads to the confiscation of Palestinian land and homes, sparking violent confrontations.

The 2014 Israeli military campaign in Gaza, known as ‘Operation Protective Edge’, had a devastating impact, resulting in the deaths of over 2,100 Palestinians, the majority of whom were civilians. Subsequent reconstruction efforts in Gaza have been hampered by restrictions on the import of construction materials.

The years-long blockade of Gaza has created dire living conditions and a sense of entrapment and despair among the population there.

Hamas, designated a terrorist organization by many countries, is seen by many Palestinians as a resistance movement that emerged in response to the Israeli occupation. Although his actions are often criticized, the circumstances that allowed his rise must be acknowledged.

The international implications of the Israel–Palestine conflict are significant. It has been a recurring point of tension at the United Nations and has wide-ranging implications for global peace and security.

Ultimately, the complexities and historical grievances of the conflict must be recognized and addressed by all parties involved, and the international community must continue to strive for a comprehensive and lasting solution. Oversimplifying this deep-rooted and multifaceted conflict as ‘unprovoked’ minimizes the need for a nuanced and balanced approach to achieving peace and stability in the region.

It has been two weeks since the Israel-Palestine war started. And now the situation in Gaza is no less than hell, Israel has imposed a complete blockade on Gaza since October 9. This means Israel has cut off food, medicine supplies, water and even electricity to Gaza. Continuous bombing from above is unimaginable. The scenes coming from Gaza are shocking. The entire neighborhood has been reduced to rubble. This was Gaza. Those buildings which were Israel’s target. Estimates suggest that more than 2,800 Palestinian civilians have been killed.

Thousands of people are still trapped in this debris. Those who are still alive are trying to find shelter in hospitals and schools. But by October 16, even the UN shelters were running out of water. The United Nations agency UNRWA said on 15 October that they were witnessing an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. Mahmood Matar. A surgeon working in Gaza told the BBC that hospitals were completely full. There is no water, no electricity, and the network connection is also unstable. He said he was looking for water. Another doctor working at Gaza’s Nasser Hospital said that fuel is also about to run out.

There are 60 patients on dialysis. 35 patients are in ICU, they need ventilator. If the fuel runs out, it will not be possible to save them. And this is not just in one hospital. It is like this everywhere. On 17 October, health officials said that Gaza’s only oncology hospital would be closed within 48 hours if the situation continued. And all cancer patients will be left without critical care.

This is a small place. This strip is spread over only 365 square km. If you compare it with the size of New York, you will realize how small it is. Even if you compare it with Delhi, it is still about one-fourth of the size of Delhi. 23 lakh people live in this small area. It is one of the most densely populated places in the world. Even before the war started, the living conditions here were very bad. The people living here were under constant Israeli surveillance and could not go beyond Gaza without Israeli permission. It is also important to mention that out of 23 lakh population, almost half of the population is children. You heard it right. This is the reason that according to estimates, 60% of the people killed in this war were women and children living in Gaza. But even before the war started, the situation was so bad that those criticizing Israel called Gaza an open prison. As if that place was an open prison.

On October 7, Hamas attacked Israel, which started the war. But in response, Israel is continuously attacking Gaza. By imposing a complete blockade on Gaza, due to which not only Hamas members are being killed, but Palestinian civilians are also being killed. And now Gaza has turned into hell. People say that Israel’s action of giving collective punishment to the people of Gaza in this way is no less than terrorism. Norway’s foreign minister said it was unacceptable to impose a complete blockade. At least humanitarian aid such as medicine and food should be allowed into Gaza.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. That was the opinion. Israel should allow humanitarian aid into Gaza and Hamas should release Israeli hostages without any conditions. In such a situation, imagine if you were a common man living in Gaza, what would have happened to you? You do not have electricity, water, internet connection is cut, you are not able to get food from anywhere. And then one day you suddenly see some leaflets falling from the sky. There has been a warning from Israel on those leaflets. It is written in the warning that all people living in the north of the Gaza Strip should evacuate and move to the south of the Gaza Strip. You can hear the sound of bombing all around. And now you are being warned that if you want to survive, you must evacuate your home as quickly as possible and move south.

According to estimates, about 11 lakh people live in Northern Gaza. The IDF warned everyone to evacuate and move south. UN shelters in northern Gaza are no longer safe. Anyone in northern Gaza, hospitals, schools or even clinics can be targeted. UNRWA said that many pregnant women, children and elderly people will not be able to walk. where will they go? How will they evacuate? On top of that, the World Health Organization strongly condemned Israel’s order.

There are 22 hospitals in northern Gaza with more than 2,000 patients. How will hospitals be evacuated? Despite this, the Israeli military said that approximately 600,000 Gazans were evacuated from the northern area to the south. 500,000 people didn’t evacuate, but let’s say you were among those who moved south. But does this mean you will be safe from bombings? “Our people who were killed or injured during these airstrikes are in their homes in Deir al-Balah, which is located in southern Gaza.” We saw incidents of airstrikes in central Gaza, where the homes of many families were destroyed. People living in southern Gaza are also not safe. Khan Yunis is a town in southern Gaza, which suffered several airstrikes.

The BBC correspondent confirmed that an airstrike in southern Gaza damaged a building near the Rafah crossing. According to the correspondent, Israel attacked the area near the Rafah crossing point at least three times. This area is very important. Look at this place carefully. Rafah border crossing. This is the border between Gaza and Egypt. If there is no safe place in Gaza then people will obviously think about leaving Gaza. On one side there is the sea, where you cannot go.

On both sides is the country of Israel, where you obviously cannot go. So, the only place you can run to is Egypt in the south. And there is only one border crossing. Rafah border crossing. So what would you have done in such a situation? You may have tried to flee Gaza to escape the bombing. Thousands of people tried to do so and gathered at the Rafah border. But Egypt is not ready to open this border. Egypt and other Arab countries say it is unacceptable for Palestinian refugees to enter their country because Palestinians have their own country. They cannot be thrown out of their own country.

Amidst all this, the danger of increasing war is also increasing because clashes have been seen between Israel and Lebanon. To the north of Israel is Lebanon where the Hezbollah terrorist group operates. Like the Hamas group, Hezbollah is also supported by Iran and there has already been a war between Hezbollah and Israel in 2006, which lasted for a month. Now what has happened is that in the last few days there has been brief rocket firing between Hezbollah and Israel. On October 16, an anti-tank missile fired from Lebanon fell on a town in northern Israel and injured three people. Israel has ordered its citizens to evacuate the area near the Lebanon border. The biggest danger here is that Hezbollah is actually more dangerous and more powerful than us*. They have a huge amount of rockets and missiles which can attack anywhere in Israel.

Apart from this, Iran has also warned Israel that if Israel tries to launch a ground invasion in Gaza, i.e. deploys its army on the ground in Gaza, it may get a response from other places. It is also worth noting here that about 900 Indian soldiers are deployed on the Israel-Lebanon border. They are part of the United Nations peacekeeping force. United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon. Our Indian soldiers have been deployed there since 1978. On 15 October it was reported that a rocket shell had fallen near the site in southern Lebanon. The good thing is that there were no casualties. It is still a big mystery how Hamas was able to collect more than 5,000 rockets in Gaza and how Israel was completely unaware of it? In a previous video, I said that Egypt had already warned Israel that an attack was imminent. Later it was revealed that America was also aware of this and had warned Israel also.

On September 28, there were updates from multiple intelligence sources that Hamas could launch cross-border rocket attacks. On October 6, the day before the attack, US officials circulated a report that Haim was showing unusual activity. And an attack can happen any time. A Middle Eastern diplomat in Washington DC told CNN that his government was repeatedly warning the White House and US intelligence officials that weapons were being manufactured by Hamas.

He also said that they have so many weapons in Gaza that it is ‘beyond anyone’s imagination’. Israeli politics has been quite unstable for the last few years. Several elections were held and the current Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has been accused of fraud, breach of trust and bribery in three separate scandals. The allegation is that billionaires have given him money. He denies this but there is a corruption case against Netanyahu which includes Cases 1000, 2000 and 4000. These cases are pending.

Prime Minister Netanyahu is trying to interfere in the judiciary. He is trying to change the process of how judges are selected. Citizens had come out on the streets in Israel, some time ago there were nationwide protests in Israel. Here, you may remember the same lines of Rahat Indori (famous poet of India). “Is there a lot of tension at the border? Find out if elections are around the corner.”

“Since the beginning of this war, Netanyahu has used emergency powers to preserve his position. If this war had not happened and the corruption trial against him had proceeded as scheduled, would he have retained his position as Prime Minister? Had to resign? This is another important question. Apart from this, another allegation is being made against Netanyahu that he had tried to promote the Hamas group in the past. On the one hand, there was the great Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, whom I talked about in the video on Israel-Palestine history. He worked tirelessly to bring peace between Israel and Palestine. The peace process was almost over when a fundamentalist shot him. On the other hand, what did Netanyahu do? He leads the right wing government with a heavy heart. He divided power between the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. They ignored the legitimate Palestinian Authority and president and the terrorist group Hamas.

How Benjamin Netanyahu Empowered Hamas and Broke Israel” This October 18 article from the Times of Israel. “For years, Netanyahu supported Hamas, now it has blown up in our faces” It says that, many According to reports, Netanyahu had said that they should facilitate the transfer of funds to Gaza so that there can be a separation between the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank and Ham in Gaza. He said that this separation would ensure, That a Palestinian state will never be created. A far-right politician from his political party made a statement in 2015 that Israel’s policy is to treat the Palestinian Authority as a burden and Hamas as an asset.

In 2018, the Israeli government allowed suitcases containing millions of dollars from Qatar to enter Gaza to benefit Hamas. These things may seem shocking to you, but a large part of the Israeli public already knows about these things. Because thankfully the Israeli media is still free. This does not sit in the lap of their government. That’s why, according to the latest polls, Netanyahu’s approval rating has been falling rapidly since the war began. According to a recent poll, only 29% of Israelis now support Netanyahu. It has reached its lowest level ever. Now protests are being seen in Israel against the Netanyahu government. People are venting their anger on Netanyahu. With placards in their hands. “Bibi, there is blood on your hands.” “Go to jail, wife.” In another incident, an angry crowd started shouting at an Israeli cabinet minister outside a hospital. And the minister had to go back.

The Israeli–Palestinian conflict is one of the most enduring and deep-rooted conflicts in modern history, casting a long shadow over the Middle East and the world. For decades, this long conflict has revolved around competing claims to the same land, touching on issues of identity, sovereignty and historical memory.

The historical roots of the conflict can be traced to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when Jewish immigrants began arriving in Palestine, which was then part of the Ottoman Empire. This influx led to tensions with the Arab population, who had lived there for generations. In 1948, the establishment of the State of Israel was a watershed moment, a declaration of independence that set the stage for decades of division and discord.

The Israeli–Palestinian conflict has seen war, occupation, and continued violence. The displacement of Palestinian Arabs during the 1948 war created a refugee crisis that continues to this day. Israel’s occupation of the West Bank, East Jerusalem, the Gaza Strip and the Golan Heights following the 1967 Six-Day War has been a defining feature of the conflict. Efforts at peace negotiations, such as the Camp David Accords in 1978 and the Oslo Accords in the 1990s, have produced temporary solutions but no comprehensive agreements.

Israeli settlement construction in the West Bank and the status of Jerusalem are controversial issues that continue to raise tensions. In Gaza, control by the terrorist group Hamas as well as a blockade by Israel have led to repeated conflicts and humanitarian crises.

Historical Background

The Israeli–Palestinian conflict, with its deep historical roots, has been a defining feature of the modern Middle East. Its origins can be traced to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when a wave of Jewish immigrants began settling in Palestine, which was then part of the Ottoman Empire. This demographic shift created tensions with the Arab population who had inhabited the area for generations.

The conflict took a decisive turn with the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948. The United Nations approved a partition plan to create separate Jewish and Arab states, but the plan was accepted by Jewish leaders and rejected by Arab leaders, leading to the 1947–1949 Arab–Israeli War. The conflict resulted in the displacement of thousands of Palestinian Arabs, an event often referred to as the Nakba

After the 1948 war, a fragile armistice was achieved, but tensions and territorial disputes remained. The Six-Day War of 1967 marked another turning point, resulting in the Israeli occupation of the West Bank, East Jerusalem, the Gaza Strip, and the Golan Heights.

The occupation, marked by settlements in the West Bank and the status of Jerusalem, has been a significant source of controversy. Meanwhile, Palestinian efforts for self-determination gained momentum with the establishment of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in 1964 and its recognition by the United Nations.

Efforts at peace talks such as the Camp David Accords in 1978 and the Oslo Accords in the 1990s produced temporary agreements but failed to resolve core issues.

This historical background sets the stage for the ongoing Israeli–Palestinian conflict, which is marked by cycles of violence, protests, and diplomatic efforts to find a lasting solution to a complex and deeply entrenched issue.

Displacement and Occupation

One of the most enduring and tragic aspects of the Israeli–Palestinian conflict is the widespread displacement of Palestinian Arabs and subsequent Israeli occupation. This complex issue dates back to the early stages of the conflict and continues to shape its trajectory.

The first significant displacement occurred during the Arab–Israeli War of 1947–1949, when hundreds of thousands of Palestinians fled to Arab countries or were driven from their homes. This mass exodus is known as the Nakba, or “catastrophe”, and remains a source of deep historical and emotional significance for Palestinians.

The Six-Day War of 1967 further changed the landscape of the conflict, as Israel gained control of the West Bank, East Jerusalem, the Gaza Strip, and the Golan Heights. The occupation, particularly in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, has been a central point of contention. Israel has justified its presence on the basis of security concerns, while Palestinians demand sovereignty over these areas.

The construction of Israeli settlements in the West Bank has worsened the situation. These settlements are considered illegal under international law and are widely seen as a significant obstacle to achieving a two-state solution.

The occupation has far-reaching effects, from restrictions on the movement of Palestinians to the expansion of Israeli control over disputed areas. The status of East Jerusalem, which both Israelis and Palestinians claim as the capital, is the focal point of the conflict.

The displacement of Palestinian refugees and the ongoing occupation of the territories is increasing grievances and tensions, posing significant challenges to efforts to negotiate a comprehensive peace agreement. These issues are central to understanding the complex, multidimensional nature of the ongoing Israeli–Palestinian dispute and conflict.

Peace Efforts and Challenges

Many attempts have been made to achieve a peaceful resolution to the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, with varying degrees of success and failure. Despite dedicated diplomatic efforts, lasting peace remains an elusive goal due to myriad challenges and obstacles.

One of the early milestones in peace talks was the Camp David Agreement in 1978. Under the guidance of the United States, Egypt and Israel signed an agreement, the first peace treaty between Israel and an Arab state. However, the agreement did not directly address the Palestinian issue.

In the 1990s, the Oslo Accords represented an important step towards peace. These agreements established a framework for Palestinian self-governance in the West Bank and parts of the Gaza Strip and set the stage for further negotiations. However, the Oslo process ultimately faced several challenges and a final status agreement could not be reached.

Subsequent efforts, such as the 2000 Camp David summit and the Annapolis conference in 2007, were aimed at addressing core issues such as borders, refugees, and Jerusalem. Although these talks reflected an international commitment to finding a solution, they did not result in a comprehensive peace agreement.

The challenges of peace efforts are multidimensional. They include issues such as the status of Jerusalem, the right of return for Palestinian refugees, and the establishment of secure borders for both Israel and a future Palestinian state. The expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, as well as political divisions among Palestinians, have further complicated the path to peace.

The Israeli–Palestinian conflict remains one of the world’s most intractable conflicts, with the challenge of finding a solution that meets the needs and aspirations of both sides. Diplomatic efforts continue, but the complex nature of the conflict and deep-rooted historical, religious and political sentiments make the path to a lasting solution extremely challenging.

Hamas and Gaza

Hamas is a Palestinian militant organization founded in the late 1980s. It is considered a terrorist organization by Israel, the United States, the European Union, and many other countries. Hamas has been a major player in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, particularly in the Gaza Strip.

Gaza is a Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, bordering Israel and Egypt. In 2007, Hamas took control of the Gaza Strip in conflict with the Palestinian Authority. Since then, it has ruled the region, while the West Bank remains under the control of the Palestinian Authority.

Hamas’ control of Gaza has been a source of significant tension and conflict with Israel. The group has been responsible for launching rocket attacks into Israel, leading to military responses and a blockade by Israel. The situation has created humanitarian challenges for Gaza’s residents, who face limited access to resources and services.

Hamas’ control of Gaza and its conflict with Israel remain central issues in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, complicating efforts to reach a lasting peace agreement. Political dynamics within Gaza and its relationship with other Palestinian entities, such as the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank, add to the complexity of the situation.

Settlements and Jerusalem

Settlements: Israeli settlements in the West Bank, established since the 1967 Six-Day War, are a major point of contention. These settlements are viewed by most of the international community as a violation of international law, as they violate land that Palestinians see as part of a future state.

Jerusalem: Jerusalem holds deep religious and historical significance for both Israelis and Palestinians. It is claimed as the capital by both sides. The status of Jerusalem remains one of the most sensitive and controversial aspects of the conflict. The eastern part of Jerusalem, including the Old City, was captured by Israel during the 1967 Six-Day War, and later annexed by Israel.

The issue of settlements in the West Bank and the status of Jerusalem are important to understanding the ongoing Israeli–Palestinian conflict. They encompass the deeply rooted regional and historical dimensions of the conflict, which continue to challenge the prospects for lasting peace in the region.

Conclusion

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is a deep-rooted and multidimensional issue. Its historical, religious and political significance makes it a complex challenge to address. Although peace talks have taken place over the years, the conflict remains unresolved. A just and lasting solution will require a comprehensive agreement that addresses the concerns and aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians, thereby ensuring a peaceful and stable future for the region.