Latest news with #PalestinianIssue
Russia Today
3 days ago
- Politics
- Russia Today
Israel will wipe Palestine off the map – but will it stop there?
As expected, the events of October 7, 2023, became a turning point after which Israel's far-right government set a course toward the final elimination of the Palestinian issue. Under the pretext of ensuring national security and responding to attacks by Hamas, the Netanyahu government launched a large-scale military campaign in Gaza. However, behind the military rhetoric lies a strategic intent to dismantle any potential Palestinian self-governance and to displace the population – a process increasingly taking the form of ethnic cleansing. Despite the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza – tens of thousands killed, destroyed infrastructure, a blockade on humanitarian aid – the Israeli authorities continue their offensive, disregarding both international law and numerous calls for a ceasefire. The international community, including the UN and leading humanitarian organizations, has voiced strong condemnation of the ongoing events. Yet, external pressure has so far failed to produce any significant changes. Instead of moving toward resolution, the conflict is spiraling deeper into a crisis of unprecedented scale and brutality. Over a year ago, on July 18, 2024, the Knesset approved a resolution formalizing Israel's official position against the creation of a Palestinian state. The document, passed by a majority vote, established the Israeli parliament's 'principled stance' that Palestinian statehood allegedly constitutes an existential threat to the State of Israel and its citizens. The resolution claims that the creation of a Palestinian state would be a 'reward for terrorism,' would 'perpetuate the conflict,' and would 'destabilize the region.' Moreover, lawmakers argued, should a Palestinian state emerge, control over it would soon fall into the hands of Hamas – the radical movement governing the Gaza Strip. In this context, the new state, in the Knesset's view, would become a 'terror base' operating in coordination with the 'axis of evil' led by Iran, aiming to destroy Israel. Thus, the declaration not only reflects the rigid ideological stance of the current political leadership but also effectively blocks any prospects for a political resolution to the Palestinian issue. However, neither Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nor the Israeli political establishment stopped there. Following the declaration against Palestinian statehood and the assertion of the West Bank's 'principled' belonging to the Jewish people, came another step deepening the course toward the de facto annexation of occupied territories. On July 23, 2025, the Knesset passed a new, even more radical, resolution. The document explicitly proclaims the intention to extend Israeli sovereignty over the entire territory of the West Bank and to initiate the legal integration of this land into Israel's administrative and legal system. The resolution received the support of 71 lawmakers, with 13 voting against – reflecting the continued rightward shift of the Israeli parliament and its consolidation around the idea of 'Greater Israel.' The text states that 'in the face of global antisemitism, military threats, and constant terror, Judea and Samaria cannot remain under temporary status,' and that 'historical justice and security demand the official recognition of these territories as part of sovereign Israel.' The resolution was spearheaded by the same forces behind previous ones – members of Likud, the Religious Zionist Party, and Otzma Yehudit. Although the new resolution, like its predecessors, does not formally entail immediate legislative consequences, it has become a significant signal: the annexation of the West Bank is no longer seen as a hypothetical possibility but is being advanced as a strategic objective. In practice, this means the continued expansion of Jewish settlements, the tightening of the military regime, and the displacement of the Palestinian population – despite international protests and systematic violations of international law, including the Geneva Convention. Thus, Israel's political course has definitively shifted from a policy of 'conflict containment' to the unilateral rewriting of the region's geopolitical reality. In addition to active domestic measures aimed at legally and administratively cementing Israeli control over the occupied territories, Israel is increasingly deploying military-political tools against the so-called 'Axis of Resistance' – an alliance of anti-Western and anti-Israeli forces led by Iran. In this context, Israel has adopted a comprehensive strategy to weaken the key players in this bloc, acting both directly and through allies – foremost among them, the United States. Special focus was placed on Lebanon, where Israel achieved a significant success in its campaign against the Shiite movement Hezbollah. In September 2024, a high-precision operation resulted in the elimination of the group's long-standing leader, Hassan Nasrallah. According to Israeli and Western intelligence, the strike was carried out by a drone as part of a reconnaissance-sabotage mission in southern Lebanon. His death dealt a heavy blow to the moral and organizational core of the movement, which for decades symbolized resistance to Israeli expansion. Amid the chaos within Hezbollah following Nasrallah's elimination, Israel intensified its missile and air strikes on weapons depots, command posts, and infrastructure throughout southern Lebanon. In parallel, through the American diplomatic apparatus, Israel has been lobbying for an initiative to partially or fully disarm Hezbollah, appealing to Lebanon's new pro-Western government formed in early 2025. The strategy is based on the assumption that international support and economic pressure will force Beirut to withdraw backing for the Shiite armed group. Another direction of Israel's strategy is the Republic of Yemen, where systematic strikes have been carried out against positions of the Ansar Allah movement (the Houthis), which maintains close ties with Tehran. The Israeli Air Force conducted a series of targeted attacks on logistical routes and ballistic missile depots, especially in areas used by the Houthis for attacks on ships in the Red Sea. These actions were coordinated with operations by coalition forces led by the US and the United Kingdom, aimed at securing maritime navigation and limiting Iran's ability to project power through its proxies. Syria remains another strategic priority. Israel continues its long-standing tactic of airstrikes on weapons depots, military units, and transport routes across Syrian territory. However, in recent months, this activity has been complemented by a more subtle approach: West Jerusalem is quietly supporting separatist movements within the country – primarily Druze and Kurdish groups. The creation of autonomous structures in these regions, aligned with the West or at least hostile to Damascus and Ankara, is seen as a way to further erode Syrian sovereignty and deprive Iran and Türkiye of their footholds in the Levant. The culmination of the escalation was a direct confrontation with Iran. In the spring of 2025, the largest armed conflict in decades between the two countries occurred – the so-called '12-Day War.' Following a series of mutual attacks, including a massive Iranian missile strike on Israeli military sites in the Negev and a retaliatory Israeli campaign targeting Iranian air defense systems, nuclear facilities, and command centers, the conflict was halted through US and Qatari mediation. Nonetheless, it made clear that Israel is prepared for an open military scenario in pursuit of its strategic objective – the dismantling of Iran's regional network of influence. In this way, Israel is acting not only in the name of national defense but also as the initiator of a sweeping transformation of the Middle East power balance. It is worth noting that the actions of the Israeli leadership, especially in recent months, have not always found full approval within Donald Trump's administration. Despite a long-standing alliance and ideological proximity, Prime Minister Netanyahu has increasingly placed Washington in an awkward position. Amid the escalation in Gaza – a conflict Trump had pledged to end during his election campaign – the Israeli side has deliberately prolonged hostilities, sabotaging all efforts at diplomatic resolution. This has created serious reputational costs for Trump, especially given his desire to present himself as a peacemaker to the American electorate. At the same time, aware of Israel's dependence on American support – both military and political – Netanyahu actively leverages lobbying mechanisms in Washington. Through pro-Israel advocacy groups and allies within Trump's circle, he has been able to steer the White House toward decisions that serve his interests. A vivid example was the events of the 12-Day War with Iran, during which, despite internal disagreements within the US administration, Washington conducted airstrikes on Iranian nuclear infrastructure. This marked a critical turning point, effectively dragging Washington into direct military confrontation with Tehran – in defiance of the more cautious stance held by parts of the American strategic community. In addition, Israeli authorities have advanced another controversial initiative, which has already sparked backlash even within the US: the idea of relocating the Palestinian population from Gaza and transforming the coastal strip into a tourism and infrastructure project known as the 'Gaza Riviera.' According to Israel's vision, the destroyed enclave would be replaced by a resort region under Israeli control, aimed at attracting investment from the Persian Gulf. Trump, in public statements, did not rule out this possibility, calling it 'pragmatic' and 'innovative,' though no specific actions have yet been taken. Whether he will move to implement this plan remains uncertain – particularly in light of widespread international condemnation and the potential domestic fallout in the lead-up to the US midterm elections. The relationship between Israel and the US is increasingly marked by complexity and asymmetry: West Jerusalem continues to pursue its goals, even at the risk of straining ties with its closest ally, while Washington, despite growing fatigue with the conflict, remains reluctant to openly confront Netanyahu. Israeli authorities are systematically and deliberately pursuing the final elimination of the Palestinian issue while simultaneously seeking to weaken all regional competitors – from Iran and Türkiye to various militant groups, including Hezbollah and the Houthis. Military force, diplomatic pressure, lobbying, and propaganda are all employed as part of a comprehensive strategy aimed at the full occupation of Palestinian territories and consolidation of control over the West Bank and Gaza. Despite international condemnation, mass destruction, a humanitarian catastrophe, and violations of international law, Israel's leadership continues to push forward with its long-term objective – to establish Israel as the unchallenged regional power in the Middle East. However, the implementation of this strategy remains uncertain. First, there is no consensus among Western capitals – including Washington – on the Palestinian issue: parts of the political establishment advocate a restrained approach and the preservation of the two-state solution. Second, Israel's increasingly aggressive actions are fueling growing resentment among Arab states, intensifying confrontations with Iran and Türkiye, and pushing the region toward large-scale escalation. Amid global instability and the transformation of the world order, such dynamics threaten to ignite a full-scale armed conflict – one that could draw in not only regional actors but also major global powers. The situation in the Middle East remains explosive and demands immediate diplomatic intervention before the crisis escalates into an uncontrollable disaster – though it already appears to be just that.
Arab News
19-07-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Pakistan deputy PM to travel to US next week for UN meetings on Palestine, multilateralism
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) and Foreign Minister (FM) Ishaq Dar will travel to the United States next week to chair UN Security Council meetings in New York focused on multilateralism and the Palestinian issue, the foreign office said in a statement on Saturday. Pakistan assumed the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council earlier this month and is hosting a series of 'signature events' — or high-level meetings organized by the Council president — to spotlight key diplomatic priorities. Dar will chair an open debate on strengthening multilateralism and peaceful settlement of disputes, and preside over a quarterly debate on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question. 'The high-level debate aims at exploring ways to strengthen multilateralism, and at enhancing diplomacy and mediation for peaceful settlement of disputes,' the foreign office said. Dar will also lead a briefing at the Council on enhancing cooperation between the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), as part of Pakistan's broader effort to bolster institutional partnerships for international peace and security. 'To express Pakistan's strong commitment, and unwavering support for the right to self-determination of the Palestinian people, the DPM/FM will also attend the high-level Conference on the 'Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the implementation of Two-State Solution,'' the statement added. Pakistan has consistently supported Palestinian statehood and called for an end to Israeli occupation in various multilateral forums. During his stay in New York, Dar is expected to hold bilateral meetings with UN officials and counterparts from other member states. The foreign office said he will also travel to Washington for other official engagements. 'Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister, Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar's visit to New York and Washington exemplifies Pakistan's growing role and importance in the multilateral arena as well as its expanding multifaceted relations with the US,' the statement said.
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Saudi Arabia's current priority is a permanent Gaza ceasefire, foreign minister says
DUBAI (Reuters) -Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud said on Friday that the kingdom's current priority is reaching a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, when asked about the possibility of normalising ties with Israel. He was speaking during a visit to Moscow. In 2024, the Saudi foreign minister said that there can be no normalisation of ties with Israel without resolving the Palestinian issue. "What we are seeing is the Israelis are crushing Gaza, the civilian population of Gaza," he said. "This is completely unnecessary, completely unacceptable and has to stop." The local health ministry in Gaza says more than 57,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's assault on the region since an October 7 attack on Israel by the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas. According to Israel, 1,200 people were killed in that attack and more than 250 taken hostage into Gaza.
Zawya
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Egypt: President El-Sisi Speaks with French President Macron
Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received a phone call from French President Emmanuel Macron. The Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said that the call reviewed the latest regional and international developments, as well as the military escalation in the region. The call also touched on the Palestinian issue and the two-state solution conference. The two presidents emphasized the urgent necessity to respect established international rules, principles, and international law. The two presidents reiterated the significance of continued joint coordination in addressing regional and international crises, particularly in light of the pressing need to avoid escalation and regulate the situation in the Middle East. They also affirmed their commitment to continuing efforts to strengthen bilateral relations across various fields, especially in economic, trade, and investment aspects, thereby consolidating the close ties between the two friendly peoples. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.
Arab News
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Syria's key role in Turkiye-Israel relations
The Palestinian issue has long been a decisive factor in Turkiye-Israel relations, but Syria has also played a significant role and continues to do so. Israel and Turkiye are reported to have reached agreement on a deconfliction mechanism to prevent an incident between their forces in Syria. Azerbaijan, a mutual ally, is said to have been the mediator. Ankara has emerged as a major actor in Syria since Bashar Assad was ousted, and Israel has expressed its opposition to a Turkish military presence there. Israeli forces operate in the south and Turkish troops in the north, and both countries have said they want to avoid a confrontation. Similar military deconfliction mechanisms in Syria operated before: when Moscow intervened in the civil war in 2015, Israel and Russia set up a hotline to avoid clashes. Unlike Russian or Iranian forces, Turkish troops have never had a serious confrontation with Israeli forces in Syria or anywhere else. This may be linked to decades of military and intelligence cooperation, although ties reached their lowest point in the past decade. In contrast, Turkish forces shot down a Russian military jet in 2015, leading to a sharp deterioration in relations. Tensions between Turkiye and Iran were also high, not only in Syria but also in Iraq. To reduce the risk of direct military confrontation in Syria, the Astana peace process was established Russia, Iran, and Turkiye in 2017, and enjoyed some success. Regional states, including Turkiye, want regional security and economic growth, but stability will remain out of reach unless Israel halts its military actions in Gaza and beyond. Israel has often used regional crises, such as the war in Syria, to engage other regional actors while sidelining the Palestinian issue. But it is unrealistic to expect any regional state to ignore the carnage in Gaza and simultaneously trust the Israeli government as a partner for regional cooperation in Syria. As long as Israel continues its current approach, cooperation with Turkiye is unlikely. Regional states, including Turkiye, want regional security and economic growth, but stability will remain out of reach unless Israel halts its military actions in Gaza and beyond. Dr. Sinem Cengiz Finally, Ankara sees a friend in Damascus and seeks to deepen engagement. However, the intensification of Israeli military operations in Syria further complicates the already fragile situation there, while the interim government strives to build a stable environment. Israel may have concerns about Syria following the fall of the Assad regime, but Turkiye's concerns are twofold: developments in Syria, and Israel's actions across the region. Syria's interim government already faces challenges and the Israeli military threat is hindering the efforts of both Damascus and regional states to address them. For Damascus, regional and international cooperation is essential for achieving lasting stability. A collaborative regional approach to rebuilding Syria could address the complex post-Assad challenges. Acknowledging this, regional states are keen to play a role in security and economic reconstruction: last week Turkiye and Jordan revealed plans to work with Iraq and the new leaders in Syria on reconstruction, energy, health and transport. Israel is also trying to establish relations with the new administration in Damascus: reports suggest that it has engaged in talks with Syria in Baku aimed at addressing their differences, discussions supported by Turkiye and Azerbaijan. President Ahmad Al-Sharaa is trying to reassure Israel that Syria poses no security threat. He has sought regional support in conveying this message and even appealed to international legal frameworks, urging Israel to respect Syrian sovereignty as outlined in the 1974 disengagement agreement. Washington has also expressed a clear interest in seeing Turkiye and Israel resolve their differences in Syria, an issue raised by President Donald Trump in a meeting with Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House. Trump said he was ready to mediate. He also lifted US sanctions on Syria and met Al-Sharaa in person during his visit to Riyadh. This is all promising, but there is still no clear US policy on the new Syrian administration, so a clear assessment remains challenging for Turkiye and other regional states. Turkiye and Israel's policies, and their often tense relations, have not always aligned: that is not new. Now, however, Syria can play a decisive role in shaping both countries' regional strategies and their approach to each other.
