New Delhi: Amidst an approaching ground invasion by the Israeli army, thousands of Palestinians have sought shelter in southern Gaza. Following last week’s attack by Hamas, which resulted in the deaths of over 1,300 people, Israel has intensified its offensive in an attempt to eliminate Hamas completely. In an interview with NDTV, Simon Mabon, an expert in international politics and author, provided an analysis of the situation.
Q: Can the conflict be accurately described as the “Israel-Palestine War”?
Simon: This conflict stems from the divisions within both societies. Israeli society is increasingly influenced by right-wing settler movements and politicians like Benjamin Netanyahu who seek to shape Israel according to their vision. They strongly oppose Hamas, which represents a portion of Palestinian society that aims to galvanize the resistance struggle. However, it is important to note that many Palestinians do not support Hamas and condemn its violence against civilians. They also express concern about Hamas’s popularity, particularly in the West Bank, where it lacks political legitimacy. Therefore, this is a complex conflict with various dimensions, including a struggle for control, a fight against terrorism, a battle against occupation, and resistance against what Israeli human rights organizations describe as an “apartheid system”.
Q: Can Hamas be considered “freedom fighters” and do they represent the broader Palestinian cause for liberation?
Simon: Hamas is a multifaceted political entity. It governs life in Gaza, tries to increase legitimacy in the West Bank, and engages in resistance activities, which are sometimes labeled as those of “freedom fighters”. However, Hamas also employs tactics that are seen as acts of terrorism, such as the recent killing of Israeli citizens and civilians. For many Palestinians, Hamas represents a broader struggle for freedom, liberation, and resistance against occupation and the 16-year-long blockade. Nonetheless, there are Palestinians who do not support Hamas and have reservations about its political actions, especially in the West Bank, as well as violence against civilians.
Q: How does the current situation, with Israel bombing Gaza and Gazans seeking safety, affect the West Bank, which is also under a blockade?
Simon: The West Bank has been under occupation since 1967, with settler movements gradually encroaching on Palestinian territories, which is illegal under international law. Although the Israeli state has previously pushed back against this, there has been growing support for settlers due to the rising influence of hardline politicians and the religious right. Settler violence against Palestinians and the occupation of the West Bank persist. The recent declaration by the Israeli national security minister regarding the purchase of assault rifles for civilian security groups, including settlers, suggests that this situation will likely escalate further in light of the events in Gaza and Israel.
Q: How close were we to achieving peace, and how much of a setback is the current crisis?
Simon: The presence of Israeli settler movements, the occupation of the West Bank, and the blockade of Gaza on the ground make it difficult to reach a political agreement akin to the Oslo Accords. For peace to be attainable, settlement processes must be curtailed, and Palestinian lands occupied by settlers must be returned. Additionally, there needs to be a stronger and more legitimate Palestinian leadership. The current Palestinian Authority (PA) lacks credibility. Given these factors, as well as the power imbalances, peace remains distant.
Q: How much support does Hamas have among Palestinians, both politically and among civilians?
Simon: Hamas was elected in Gaza, which indicates significant support for the group’s position against Israel. However, in the West Bank, where the majority of Palestinians reside, Hamas has less support and hasn’t achieved the same level of success. Prior to recent events, there were tensions between various Palestinian factions, and frustrations were growing regarding Hamas’s actions in the West Bank. Nevertheless, their attack on occupying forces has granted them more legitimacy and authority among Palestinians who perceive them as upholding the resistance.
Q: Does the Palestinian Authority (PA) possess any real authority, and what is their current relationship with the Palestinian people?
Simon: The PA has limited authority and fears its actions might be seen as condoning the occupation if it attempts to impose control on Hamas. Actors within the PA, except for Mahmoud Abbas, lack serious claims to legitimacy. Even Abbas doesn’t enjoy the same level of legitimacy as previous leaders like Yasser Arafat.
Q: How can justice be achieved with Hamas without harming the civilian population of Palestine?
Simon: The densely populated urban landscape of Gaza presents a significant challenge. Hamas is deeply embedded within Gaza, making it difficult to target the organization without harming the civilian population. Gaza has faced 16 years of blockade, leading to immense pressure on vital resources like water, electricity, and food. Hamas’s presence is intertwined with daily life in Gaza, and therefore, any attacks against Hamas will inevitably result in civilian casualties. Differentiating between a Hamas operative and a sympathizer is also challenging, especially given the shifting dynamics in Gaza. Some people support Hamas solely because it opposes Israel, without necessarily condoning its actions. Others have taken up arms to defend their homes and families, without explicitly supporting Hamas.
Q: Israel seems determined to obliterate Gaza. Is there any possibility of reversing course and engaging in fresh peace talks with Palestinian leaders?
Simon: The increasingly right-wing nature of Israeli politics, the fragility of Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition, and the influence of settler movements and the religious right mean there is little to no chance of Israel engaging in peace talks or any form of political settlement without significant international pressure. However, even the US, despite advocating for Israel’s “war on terror”, is unlikely to exert the necessary pressure. Consequently, widespread devastation in Gaza is anticipated.
Q: Is the concept of a two-state solution now obsolete?
Simon: The prospects for a two-state solution are grim. Palestine lacks recognition as a state from the majority of countries worldwide, and the realities on the ground make a diplomatic resolution unattainable. As a result, a two-state solution cannot be achieved until Palestine is recognized as a state. A creative solution is required to establish lasting peace.
Q: What are the broader implications of this conflict, not just for the region, but also for the world?
Simon: The conflict severely impacts the ability of Palestinians worldwide to express their frustrations with the occupation. Calls have been made in France and the United Kingdom to criminalize pro-Palestinian support. This poses significant implications for political expression and support for the Palestinian cause.