The Gaza Peace Plan: A 'Mirage' Amidst Israel's Hardline Policy
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: International Relations (Israel-Palestine conflict, key peace plans, West Bank, Gaza Strip, United Nations).
Mains:
General Studies Paper 1 (World History): The Israel-Palestine conflict and its various phases.
General Studies Paper 2 (International Relations): Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests; Important International institutions, agencies and fora.
Key Highlights from the News
Some optimism remains about the Trump peace plan for peace in Gaza, but the article argues that lasting peace is a "peace mirage" due to Israel's current hardline stance.
Evidence for Israel's hardline stance:
Using biblical references like "Amalek" which call for the extermination of Palestinians.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu openly stating that a Palestinian state will never exist.
Expanding Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank.
An Israeli minister describing Gaza as a "real estate" opportunity.
Even though Israel succeeded in eliminating Hamas's military leadership, it has failed to defeat Hamas as an organization.
Due to the atrocities in Gaza, Israel is becoming internationally isolated. Even European countries are considering imposing sanctions.
Within Israel itself, a large section of the population is demanding an end to the war.
Therefore, no plan that does not recognize the fundamental political aspirations of the Palestinians is likely to succeed.
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