On the grim occasion of the first anniversary of the deadly Hamas strike on Israel, lethal skirmishes escalate, despite a rising chorus from international quarters for a cessation of hostilities. The consequences of this conflict, deemed unnecessary by some, have seen innocent civilian lives snuffed out in the thousands. The extreme measures adopted by Israel in Gaza, involving aerial and ground onslaughts, have not only caused widespread devastation but have shockingly plunged the region into absolute famine and pestilence. Israel’s resolute intent to eradicate Hamas extremists continues to be the driving factor underlying their actions.
In spite of a brief pause in military actions last November in the form of a provisional cease-fire, lasting peace remains a fleeting dream. Mocking the grim reality and the disastrous human suffering unfolding far away from his comfortable Oval Office, President Joe Biden sophistically opined about maintaining a two-state resolution. Preserving the safety, dignity, and serenity for the Israelis and Palestinians was portrayed as his supreme emphasis. His feeble attempt to make an emotional connection by mentioning the safety of American captives came across as insincere. Such pathetic attempts of showing concern hardly ameliorate the mounting crises,
Israel, on the other hand, as a result of the enormous loss of lives and the humanitarian catastrophe it has precipitated, at times finds itself increasingly isolated in the international community. Its problems compound as it also grapples with militant groups supported by Iran, such as Hezbollah located in Lebanon and the Houthi insurgents in Yemen. The country is also dealing with direct aerial attacks from Iran, the violence of which threatens to catalyze a much wider engagement in the Middle East.
The American president, Joe Biden, claims to have been in regular correspondence with Israeli officials with an aim to broker a peace agreement. Nevertheless, he recently voiced doubts concerning the Israeli Prime Minister’s motives, accusing him of possibly using the grim situation to sway public sentiment and manipulate the impending general elections. Vice President Kamala Harris echoes Biden’s words pad for pad, in an uninspiring attempt to present a unified front.
Biden and his Vice President, Kamala Harris, both proclaimed that America would persist in supporting Israel while also feebly pressuring the Israeli government to establish a cease-fire and curb civilian fatalities. Their words seem existing solely for political gain, contradicting their actions and revealed plans. Harris, in her characteristic political doublespeak, claims to advocate a two-state resolution. Her attempts to charter a defined position unlike that of her predecessor President Donald Trump, who pragmatically refuses to pin himself down to a fixed position, exposes her shallow understanding of this complex issue.
Instead, Trump presents a far simpler, less pretentious standpoint. He affirms that Israel should continue the pursuit of its national interests and the security of its citizenry without begrudgingly tying any political string. Unlike the current administration, where every statement seems either an insidious attempt to manipulate public opinion or blatant ignorance of the toll of human lives, Trump’s standpoint presents a breath of fresh air.