China wades into the Gaza conflict The Excelsior 31 Jul 2024
In his address to the US Congress last week, Israeli President, Benjamin Netanyahu, mentioned, ‘In the Middle East, Iran’s axis of terror confronts America, Israel and our Arab friends. This is not a clash of civilizations. It’s a clash between barbarism and civilization. It’s a clash between those who glorify death and those who sanctify life. For the forces of civilization to triumph, America and Israel must stand together.’
He added that with support from the US, victory is assured. He continued to insist that Israel will achieve its goal of destruction of Hamas, adding it is Iran backed, aware that this would resound with his audience.
This is far from reality. A US assessment mentions that in 10 months Israel has only managed to destroy 35% of Hamas’s capabilities. US intelligence assessments also mention that recruitment by Hamas is on the rise, especially after Israel’s relentless bombings and killing of innocents in Gaza. Hamas remains deeply rooted in the Gazan psyche and believing that it can be eradicated is visualizing the emerging scenario with blinkers.
Even Israel’s defence spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, had earlier mentioned, ‘This business of destroying Hamas, making Hamas disappear — it’s simply throwing sand in the eyes of the public. Hamas is an idea; Hamas is a party. It’s rooted in the hearts of the people — anyone who thinks we can eliminate Hamas is wrong.’ He came in for flak from Netanyahu and was compelled to back down. Most are aware that this is reality but prefer to ignore it.
While Netanyahu was delivering his address on Capitol Hill, there were protests against him and Israel in Washington. These were largely on loss of Gazan lives. Believing he was displaying bravado, Netanyahu mocked the protestors by mentioning, ‘Many anti-Israel protesters, many choose to stand with evil, they stand with Hamas, they stand with rapists and murderers,’ adding, ‘You have officially become Iran’s useful idiots.’ In fact, Netanyahu was alienating Israel.
Almost half the democrats belonging to both houses of Congress boycotted Netanyahu’s address. This was far more than the number which boycotted his earlier address in 2015. It indicates the reduction in US backing in the future. Netanyahu met Kamala as also former president Trump during his visit. Kamala told Netanyahu, ‘We cannot allow ourselves to become numb to the suffering, and I will not be silent.’
There is no doubt that the war has resulted in unprecedented loss of lives and destruction of Gaza. Can this continue being termed as Israel’s right to self-defence and ensuring its future safety? Or will it result in the creation of an anti-Israel generation in Gaza, which would seek revenge for unabated killings and starving which the populace currently undergoes. Will the US be viewed as a supporter of Israel and destroyer of Palestine, becoming a perpetual enemy.
The region too has begun to boil. Hezbollah, Houthi’s and other Islamic groups in Syria and Iraq are seeking to expand the conflict. Attacks on US military assets, deployed in the region, could draw it into the conflict, which it seeks to avoid. While Netanyahu needs the war for his political survival, the US does not. Talks are not moving forward with each side blaming the other.
It is to counter US support to Israel that China has now waded in. In a surprising move, Beijing brought 14 Palestinian factions to ink the Beijing declaration last week. As per the Global Times this declaration was aimed at ‘ending division, strengthening unity (within Palestinians) and affirming China’s role as a peacemaker.’ It was differences between various Palestinian factions, largely Hamas, Islamic Jehad and Fatah, which controls the Palestinian Authority (PA), which Israel exploited. It had backed the rise of Hamas as a counter to Fatah and the PA.
The Chinese foreign minister, Wang Yi, mentioned the intent was that any future resolution to the Palestinian issue should be ‘Palestinian-owned, Palestinian-led and Palestinian-ruled.’ He added, ‘The core outcome is that the PLO (Palestine Liberation Organization) is the sole legitimate representative of all Palestinian people.’ China is attempting to unite the Palestinians and by doing so on its soil, is placing itself as a challenger to the US in West Asia.
Tel Aviv has refused to permit Hamas, one of the 14 factions, as also the PLO from ruling Gaza. Its foreign minister, Israel Katz, mentioned, ‘Hamas rule will be crushed.’ Israel was attempting to push for an international Arab force to oversee Gaza, under the watchful eye of the Israeli military, which has now been offset by China. The UAE was the only Arab state to have accepted the offer.
The signing of the agreement has made China a nation which is gaining a foothold in the region. It had earlier negotiated the inking of a peace deal between Saudi Arabia and Iran, which continues to hold. In both cases China sent the message that while the US was working to divide nations, China is attempting to unite them. It also projected Beijing as a major player in the global south and that the world is now bi-polar.
Internationally, there were voices against the Chinese move as it projected Hamas as a legitimate organization, as against being declared a terrorist organization by Israel and the US. The US spokesperson mentioned, ‘When it comes to governance of Gaza at the end of the conflict, there can’t be a role for a terrorist organization.’ He added that the agreement would not in any way play a role in ongoing ceasefire negotiations. Israel has also dismissed the Beijing declaration.
On the contrary the UN Secretary General appreciated the Chinese initiative. His spokesperson mentioned, ‘I think all steps toward unity are to be welcomed and encouraged.’
While the Beijing declaration calls for the establishment of a Palestinian state and return of refugees, the Israeli parliament passed a resolution, with overwhelming majority, rejecting Palestinian statehood and a possible indefinite control over Gaza. The Israeli confidence flows from unlimited US support. While there continues to be hurdles towards peace in the region, the emergence of China could change the dynamics. Palestinians now have a strong backer in China.
It is believed that China will now look to immerse itself in resolving the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
About the Author
Maj Gen Harsha Kakkar
Retired Major General Indian Army