In a bold statement, Israel’s foreign minister, Eli Cohen, declared that the country would continue its war in Gaza “with or without international support.” This announcement comes as Israel faces mounting pressure over the high number of civilian casualties caused by its military operations in Gaza and the worsening humanitarian crisis in the region.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has raised concerns worldwide, leading to calls for an immediate ceasefire. On Tuesday, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution demanding an end to the violence. Even US President Joe Biden expressed his strongest criticism yet, stating that Israel’s “indiscriminate bombing” was causing it to lose support globally.
Despite international pressure, Israel seems determined to continue its offensive against Hamas. Cohen argued that a ceasefire at this stage would be a “gift” to Hamas, allowing the terrorist organization to regroup and pose a threat to Israel’s residents. The US, Israel’s traditional ally, has supported its opposition to a pause in hostilities thus far. However, there are signs of increasing discontent within senior American officials regarding Israel’s conduct in the conflict.
One critical issue is the protection of civilians in Gaza. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin warned Israel that failing to prioritize civilian safety could lead to a strategic defeat rather than a tactical victory. The disagreement also extends to what a post-war Gaza would look like. White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan is set to visit Israel for talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the end game of the conflict.
Netanyahu’s public statements reflect his determination to continue the war until the elimination of Hamas. He is also facing pressure from his right-wing base, and some speculate that his opposition to the Biden administration’s preferences may be a political strategy. However, history has shown that as calls for a ceasefire become louder both domestically and internationally, they become challenging to ignore.
While Israel continues its bombardment of Gaza, Hamas and its allies are fighting back. Tuesday marked the deadliest day for the Israeli military since the ground offensive began. The increasing casualties in Gaza are alarming, with almost half of the population seeking refuge on the border with Egypt to escape the Israeli bombardment. The collapse of the healthcare system poses a severe threat, as overcrowded shelters and unsanitary conditions create a breeding ground for epidemics and a public health disaster.
The international community, including the UN, has expressed concerns about the long-term consequences of the ongoing conflict. The UN’s local humanitarian coordinator, Lynn Hastings, emphasized that the current situation will not bring peace and security to either the Palestinians or Israelis for many years to come. She called for an immediate ceasefire to prevent further loss of life and address the dire humanitarian crisis.
The impact of Israel’s decision to continue the war without international support is significant. It further damages Israel’s reputation globally, with President Biden highlighting the country’s declining support due to its military actions in Gaza. The escalating casualties and worsening humanitarian crisis are fueling international concerns and calls for an immediate end to the violence.
As the conflict intensifies and the number of casualties rises, the pressure to find a diplomatic solution becomes even more critical. It is crucial for all parties involved to prioritize the protection of civilian lives and work towards a sustainable peace agreement. The international community must come together to support peace initiatives and provide humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering of the people in Gaza.
