Palestine Crisis: What does the History Say?

Conflicts arise among civilizations, continue for some time, and end after resolutions. Among many conflicts, one of
them in today’s world is the Israel-Palestine conflict. On November 2, 1947, the then British General gave a
declaration in the form of a separate state for the Jewish people. Hence, the Jews began migrating to the territory
known as Palestine. Resultantly, they declared independence on May 14, 1948. Since that day, the Palestinians are
living in unrest. The UN passed a resolution to eradicate the conflict. Some countries raised their voices, but no
solution has favored the oppressed Palestinians. Although, various solutions have been formulated but none of them
seemed practical, the best solution is the ground implementation of the ‘two-state policy’ which should resolve the
long-going conflict.

As Israel declared independence, war broke out between the Arab countries and Israel in 1949. The latter was backed
by powerful countries. In 1967, a six-day war took place between the Arab coalition forces and Israel. The Arab
countries such as Egypt, Jordan, and Syria miserably failed. Israel expanded its territory and occupied the Sinai
Peninsula and Gaza strip. The UN devised maps of Palestine and Israel, however, Israel didn’t stick to it.

Israel continued the war of attrition in 1968. They kept on occupying novel regions. They occupied Golan Heights and
East Jerusalem in 1973. During the wars, no stone was left unturned in oppressing the Palestinians. All the
humanitarian rules and international laws were violated. The Islamic Republic of Pakistan was the only non-Arab
country supporting Syria and Egypt in the wars of 1967 and 1973. Ten (10) Israeli jets were shot down by Pakistani
pilots amidst those wars. The atrocities of Israel didn’t stop. The United Nations devised maps that defined the
territories of the two countries. Nevertheless, Israel with the support of strong countries continued violating the UN
resolution. “Greater Israel Policy” seemed Israel’s aim. Along with invasions, they tried their best in building
diplomatic and economic ties with the rest of the world.

Guron, the founding Prime Minister of Israel, sent a telegram message to the founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam. The
intentions were diplomatic and economic ties. However, no response was made to the received text. Regarding the
other Muslim States, Turkey was the first Muslim country to accept Israel back in the year 1949.

Prime Minister Liaqat Ali Khan would have got full economic and diplomatic support from the US if he had accepted
and built relations with Israel. But he rejected this offer. With every passing year, there arose changes in the stances
of Muslim countries towards Israel. In fact, the rigidity is diluting every next day. In this context, Egypt entered into an
agreement with Israel in 1979.

Similarly, Jordan came into an agreement with Israel in 1994. She was the second Muslim country in a row that began
relations with Israel. The US extended ammunition support to Jordan. This agreement was signed in the reign of King
Hussein.

Different Muslim countries did not find the agreements acceptable. The countries perceived that such agreements
would lead to the implementation of the policy “Greater Israel” in the middle east. The support of the US to Israel
was considerable on every occasion. On Aug 13, 2020, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) became the third Muslim
country by normalizing relations with Israel after signing Abraham Accord. She realized that it would be the only way
to prove its strength in the middle east. Moreover, the growing tensions between the UAE and Iran vis-a-vis the
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia cemented the changing stance of the UAE. Along with UAE, Bahrain also announced about
beginning its relations with Israel. Notably, the Trump-led US Government played a key role on all the
aforementioned occasions.

The establishment of these relations, Israel never stopped oppressing the Palestinians. Numerous examples advocate
the muting of voices and actions of Palestinians. From a historical perspective, the first intifada (1987) and second
intifada (2000) were the registered responses from Palestinians. These uprisings were merely supported by the
Muslim countries and the Organization of Islamic Countries. The Gaza blockade has been an open-air prison since
2007. People are deprived of using aerial, naval, and road routes. More than 70 % of residents of Gaza are
unemployed with blur futures in front of them.

The immediate need of the hour is that the OIC must take action. It is the second largest organization after the UN.
Disturbingly, they have not even shown a little progress on the Palestine issue. Side by side, it is important that
Muslim countries keep all internal conflicts aside e.g. KSA-Iran rivalry. In comparison to the points of view of the
governments of Islamic countries, their public possesses entirely different views. According to a recent survey (Nov-
2019 – Sep 2020) by Qatar-run Arab Center of Research and Policy Studies, 88% of people disapprove of Israel’s
recognition.

The recent brutal Israeli attacks during the Holy month of Ramadhan have raised concerns of the Palestine residents.
The eviction in Sheikh Jarrah at East Jerusalem jolted all those countries who were planning to resume their relations
with Israel. Hamas fired more than 4.000 rockets, but their effects were eradicated as Israel possesses Iron-Dome
defense technology. Ironically, the US President termed the brutalities of Israel as a right to self-defense. The US
delayed the ceasefire intentionally for more than seven days. Benjamin Netanyahu (Israel’s Prime Minister for more
than 10 years) has been replaced by Naftali Bennett. The latter is the strongest opponent of the two states. He has
firm belief that the land belongs to Israel and Israel only. Hence, it is prudent to deduce that with such intentions the
“Two-State” solution is being buried.

the “Two-State” solution is being buried. Moreover, the UN already devised maps of the two countries in 1967. It is
primarily important to following those sketched borders and territories. Nevertheless, with such attitudes of the
Muslim states, it is unwise to think of the maps of the pre-1967 era. It is a golden rule to put your own house in order
before poking your nose into matters of other people. The same rule is applicable in the case of crying Palestine.
Hence, the Muslim countries need to reduce the internal rifts. Particularly, the proxy wars between Iran and Saudi
Arabia prove the mentioned case. The OIC should urge the adage “United we stand, Divided we fall”. Instead of
spending resources in Syria, Yemen, and Iraq for hegemonic purposes, the Muslims should act as one unit. Countries
like Turkey, Malaysia, Pakistan, Iran, and Saudi Arabia must lead all other developing Muslim countries. Joint
strategies should be developed that define every aspect of Muslim states with other states generally and with Israel
particularly. For example, economic, diplomatic, and naval relations with other countries.

Keeping in view the current situation of Palestine, the world should resolve it without any further delay. The solution
does not take everything from Israel. However, a two-state policy according to the territories defined by the US
should be implemented. In the case of Jerusalem, a joint decision is more helpful as it is a holy place in three religions.
Israel would be reluctant both in going back to the maps devised in 1967 and vacating occupied regions. Therefore,
the Muslims are compelled and supposed to give their plan that provides justice to Palestinian brothers. If they fail to
do, Greater Israel policies will be evident and injustice will be prevalent. “Justice delayed is justice denied”