The contemporary order of world politics does not allow for a simpler path towards the emancipation of the Palestinian people nor towards an end to their decades’ long struggle for freedom. The recent bombings by the Israeli government for 11 days are a testament to the same.
From the Balfour Declaration of 1917, to the present diplomatic and military support enjoyed by the Zionist apartheid state of Israel from the U.S., it is evident that especially since 1948 foreign powers have aided and influenced the systematically engineered illegal Israeli occupation of Palestinian land. Violent measures, instilling anti-Palestinian sentiment, far-right nationalism and the ensuing bloodshed have been key tools used by Israel for the realisation of its criminal designs.
But these nefarious designs are not limited to the Palestine conflict. The Abraham Accords of 2020, or the so-called normalisation deal brokered by the U.S., helped the parties concerned to not only put the Palestinian cause on the back burner, but also to isolate Iran – because of its alleged military and financial aid to Hamas and Hezbollah fighters in Palestine. This move further strengthened the anti-Iran sentiments in Arab states – one of the greatest threats being Iran’s nuclear capability. Therefore, not much may be left at the discretion of the Arab League or the GCC. It is pertinent here to say that the states that could have played a crucial role during the 11 day bombings; including Iraq, Syria, Libya, and Yemen, can be seen already stuck in dealing with their post Arab Spring fate and a series of proxy wars in the Middle East.
After a long time, however, the United States of America was forced to call for a ceasefire amid mounting pressure from the American opposition, the international community, and the foreign governments. The temporary shift in the Biden administration’s policy stance vis-a-vis Palestine depicts that the people’s collective will must be held above anyone leading the masses. It must be
noted that earlier, the U.S. blocked two UN resolutions against Israel. However, this will not pave the way for a long-lasting peaceful solution.
A peaceful solution may stem from reigniting the unity of the Muslim Ummah. The Turkish government’s proposal to formulate a coalition force of the willing OIC member states is a welcome step to defend Muslim brethren in need. Moreover, the post Soviet Union disintegration states of Central Asia – such as Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan – must bealigned along with other Muslim majority states, such as Azerbaijan for cooperation on the regional, as well as international fronts. President PMLN Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif proposed a similar policy measure. He said, “Given the increasing bloodshed, food shortages, and crumbling health infrastructure in Palestine, the OIC and the Arab League must devise a concrete plan of action to intervene
effectively.”
From a historical standpoint, the Oslo Accords of 1993 and the UNSC resolution of 2003 also
endorsed a two-state solution. However, Israel continued to wreak havoc on the lives of innocent
Palestinians. Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has also highlighted PMLN’s stance on the matter in
the following words: “Israel has thrown the UN resolutions that run into dozens and the Oslo Accords into the dustbin without bothering a bit about the consequences, what is worse is that it has gotten away with it.”
Pakistan Muslim League (N) stands by what was stressed upon by Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad
Ali Jinnah. He said,
“We are all passing through perilous times. The drama of power politics that is being staged in
Palestine and Kashmir, should serve as an eye-opener to us. It is only by putting up a united front that we can make our voice felt in the counsels of the world.”
The recent Israeli bombings of Palestinian territory have left people homeless, children
traumatised, and hearts shattered. However, the Palestinian hope for emancipation still blossoms
ever so brighter amidst the remains of the shattered homes of the people. Indeed, “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free!”
