Israel’s aggressive actions in Gaza signify an alarming shift in intensity, posing a substantial threat to regional tranquillity, as well as risking numerous Palestinian lives. The assault on Iran’s consulate in Damascus, leading to the demise of two high-ranking generals, and the obliteration of Gaza’s primary healthcare facility amidst a clash with Hamas combatants, have been justified by Israel’s conservative government, led by Binyamin Netanyahu. This administration tendered apologies for the casualty of seven individuals offering humanitarian aid, although Netanyahu implied that such incidents are unavoidable in times of conflict. It is questionable whether there will be a swift and prompt inquiry.
The consulate raid is deemed to be the most critical amongst recent activities as it potentially broadens conflict. This move appears to be a deliberate assault on Iran following Israel’s longstanding covert battles with Iran’s Hezbollah allies in Lebanon. This covert war too has seen an upward trend since the atrocities perpetrated by Hamas against Israel on October 7th the previous year. Netanyahu openly favours war with Iran and if Iran retaliates against Israel, the United States could be pulled into the conflict. The Biden administration, despite its reluctance, may find itself amidst this melee ahead of presidential elections. Donald Trump, Biden’s rival, echoes Netanyahu’s perspective of Iran being Israel’s key adversary.
The international community’s viewpoint is shifting against Israel after an almost six-month long operation, which egregiously targets Gaza’s non-combatant population. Evidence of this is the annihilation of the al-Shifa hospital, the impending threat of scarcity and the recent raid on a humanitarian aid convoy led by the US. Journalists have bravely brought these realities to the fore, much to the horror of an increasingly aware global audience. Disappointingly, these incidents fail to make headlines in Israel in a context dominated by accounts of the distress following Hamas’s slaughter of 1,200 individuals and abduction of roughly 250 individuals on October 7th.
Surprisingly, Israelis have steadily turned against Netanyahu’s extreme-right government, frustrated by its war strategy, the inability to rescue the hostages, and its tolerance of religious and settler extremism. Increasingly worried about international isolation from their allies, they have taken to the streets to demand fresh elections and an end to Netanyahu’s reign. However, Israeli liberals do not yet grasp the deep-seated harm their country’s image and human rights record have suffered. Supporters of Israel worldwide must increase awareness of these realities within Israel itself.
With the mounting pressure, the time has never been more urgent for strong international efforts to advocate for a ceasefire, the release of Israeli captives, and establish a framework for sustainable peace and rebuilding initiatives.