The war between Hamas and Israel in 2023 was marked by intense violence. It is not the initial war they ever had. The previous conflict between Hamas and Israel had also aroused war, except in 2023, the war was in a large-scale attack on southern Israel, causing a high number of casualties. Their leaders justified the attack by Hamas because they believed that Israel’s actions, such as the blockade of Gaza, its presence in Palestinian territories, and alleged mistreatment of Muslims, were injustices and needed to be challenged.
While Israel is attending an intensive war with the terrorist Hamas, the U.S. is urging to provide assistance and protection; however, Israel refused the support. As the Secretary of State and a diplomat of the United States, Antony Blinken announced the obligation of humanitarian concerns toward Israel, particularly in Gaza. He said in his meeting with Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, "We need to do more to protect Palestinian civilians…It matters because it's the right and lawful thing to do.” He emphasizes, “There will be no partners for peace if they're consumed by humanitarian catastrophe and alienated by any perceived indifference to their plight.” Blinken illustrates his worries about the attack by highlighting the importance of a “humanitarian” pause, serving for medical assistance, halting military operations, and other services that can reduce the ongoing hostilities to ensure peace. However, Blinken's willingness to support was rejected by Netanyahu, who stated, “Please move out, because we have the right to self-defense…a temporary cease-fire that doesn't include a return of our hostages '. Netuahu’s response reveals a strong sense that without releasing “hostages", they do not appreciate the humanitarian aid.
Blinken later addressed the humanitarian assistance by highlighting how to maximize it in a way to release the hostages and ensure Hamas doesn't use these pauses to its own advantage. As a father of two kids, he reflected on one of the videos during the attack that a father was sitting next to his wounded sons, shouting, “capturing this on camera for the entire world to see…Film for everyone… These individuals are kids”. By showing compassion with the film, Blinken’s intention to support Israel could be making a long-standing strategic partnership with Israel, enhancing its defense capabilities, and balancing these objectives concerning civilian casualties.
The rejection of a ceasefire proposal demonstrates the complexity and sensitivity of the ongoing conflict and the differing views of both Israel and the U.S. Blinken's passion for addressing humanitarian issues. In some cases, the U.S. should facilitate or support a particular war or military action depending on specific circumstances, international consensus, and goals of U.S. foreign policy. It’s a matter of ongoing debate regarding situations and several factors.
-Sarah Hu
Sources:
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/israel-war-hamas-blinken-gaza/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/11/03/blinken-israel-visit-gaza-hamas-war/
2 comments:
I approach the 2023 Hamas-Israel conflict with the belief that diplomacy and humanitarian concerns should be at the forefront of our foreign policy decisions. It's disheartening to witness the rejection of a ceasefire proposal that could potentially save countless lives, on the grounds of a balancing act involving hostages and self-defense. While I understand Israel's security concerns, the loss of innocent Palestinian lives shouldn’t be ignored. Secretary Blinken's call for humanitarian assistance and a "humanitarian" pause is a step in the right direction. I think we should prioritize protecting civilian lives, irrespective of political or territorial disputes.
After Hamas attacked Israel, Isreal sent an attack of their own, one that felt never ending to those in Gaza. Since the war has started tons and tons of lives have been lost on both side. Lives that could have been saved, lifes that were innocent, lives that belonged to children, parents, siglings, uncles,aunties, grandparents, to everyone. The rejection of the ceasefire proposal proves that the goal of protecting civilians has been lost. Since the very beginning, Isreal has received more military aid than humanitarian aid, aid that could potentially safe many and prevent thousands of deaths. I do hope that with secretary Blinken call for humanitarian aid it could redirect the helppthat US is sending to Israel.
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