by : Muhammad Bilal Iftikhar Khan
Complex regional and international tensions have been sparked by the current
conflict between Israel and Hamas, which has resulted in numerous fatalities
and extensive devastation. A deeper fight for influence, authority, and the
maintenance of current power systems is shown by the conflict, which goes
beyond the immediate toll of casualties.
The concepts of
reputation and deterrence are central to the conflict. Israel's goal is to rid
Gaza of Palestinians, using fighting Hamas as an excuse. However, using
excessive force runs the danger of harming Israel's reputation abroad and
escalating anti-Israeli sentiment in the Muslim world. Israel's carefully
constructed image as a democratic state is in jeopardy because of the
destruction in Gaza and accusations of war crimes, which also undermine
Israel's moral legitimacy claims. On the other hand, US and West are also
losing reputations. axis of Resistance allied with Iran is challenging their
interests in the Middle East. For the US, former Secretary of State, Henry
Kissinger listed Israel's defence as a top foreign policy priority for the
United States, which highlights the Zionists' sway over American
decision-makers.
Over 30,000 people have died in the conflict between Israel and Hamas, leaving
Gaza little more than a pile of concrete and debris.
Yemen has
entered the conflict in favour of the Palestinians as a result of Israel's use
of lethal force against them, and as a result, all maritime commerce to Israel
is prohibited, and ships flying the Israeli flag are not allowed to pass the Red Sea.
While large
numbers of people in America and Europe demonstrate in favor of Palestine, the
United States and other European nations have supported Israel since the start
of hostilities. This support is not based on any rules but on the realist need
of survival and preserving deterrence.
Russia's strategic achievements, especially in
Africa, and China's growing influence in the Middle East are two important
aspects of this struggle.
Changes in U.S.
policy have made it easier for China to make gains in the Middle East, such as
the reconciliation of Saudi Arabia and Iran and the UAE and KSA's involvement
in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Africa is witnessing
an expansion of Chinese and Russian influence; recent developments in Burkina
Faso, Niger, and Mali are notable instances of this. It means at last Africa is
revolting against its former masters who even after their independence
manipulated and humiliated them.
The Red Sea
problem has grown to be a reputational concern amid the Thucydides Trap and the
U.S.-China Cold War. The United States has launched CTF 153, a UN-affiliated
counteroffensive against Yemen, in response to the closure of the Red Sea
waterway. Despite worries of genocide in Gaza, the United States and its Western
allies have supported Israel unconditionally, which is perceived as an effort
to retain power in the Middle East's oil-rich region.
In the context
of the U.S.-China Cold War and the Thucydides Trap, the denial of genocide in
Gaza sends mixed messages to the Muslim masses and the third world. The issue
that the West and the United States are facing has the potential to bolster
multipolarity and reduce their global dominance. The United States and its
Western allies may resort to drastic measures to preserve relevance and
deterrence, which might escalate the fight into a regional and ultimately
worldwide world war.