TAKE A STAND

THE United States’ “clear position” on Israel’s intentions to launch a major invasion of the city of Rafah has further kept the world in suspense over the possible escalation of the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. From the first drafts of the White House readings, the US has been opposed to further military campaigns by the Israeli army in Gaza, but the gathering of soldiers towards the southern city in the Gaza Strip dashes hopes for a thaw in the current volatility. The situation in Rafah has further complicated matters in the Middle East, even as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a possible uprising in his ministry over the latest move. It would be for the good of the citizens of the Gaza Strip and also for the whole world if US President Joe Biden comes out with a clear ‘NO’ to Mr Netanyahu’s transgressions. Mr Biden and Mr Netanyahu have discussed Israel opening routes to Gaza to send aid to the Gaza Strip amid fears of a famine. With international opinion slowly changing on the plight of Gaza’s civilians, Mr Netanyahu would likely allow humanitarian aid to trickle in, but at the same time he has started a new military front in Rafah that aims to dash hopes. of a hostage agreement with the Hamas militants.

If Israel goes ahead with plans to launch an invasion of Rafah, it would cut off the humanitarian aid centers located there. US Secretary of State, Mr Antony Blinken, has tapped several sources in the Arab world to defuse tensions, but Mr Netanyahu’s adamant stance goes too far. Many US officials have recently expressed their opposition to the Rafah operation. There is also a growing possibility of ministers quitting Bibi’s cabinet over the same issue. Protests against the long war are growing within Israel and in other parts of the world. The US is also facing the heat as its top universities suppress demonstrations against the war in Gaza. As the world grapples with another potentially protracted armed conflict in the southern tip of Gaza, the White House has yet to elaborate on whether the US will support any operation in Rafah that could further endanger the lives of several civilians. Mr. Biden has urged greater efforts by Tel Aviv to increase the amount of aid going to Gaza. There has been a significant improvement in the flow of food and medical aid to the Strip.

But these efforts have also been offset by setbacks from Israeli airstrikes, some of which have even killed humanitarian workers. Such incidents could easily lead to further hostilities in the region, despite the ongoing hostage negotiations between Israel and Hamas. The US and several other countries have asked Hamas to immediately release the remaining 133 hostages it is holding in Gaza. A positive response is now awaited, but with the Rafah operation hanging in the balance, there is a good chance the deal will fail midway. Tensions are already brewing in the Middle East following the drone strike and counter-attack between Iran and Israel a few days ago. Although both rivals ensured precise operations to avoid civilian casualties, there is a growing feeling in the region that a full-fledged war is coming sooner or later. Multi-dimensional and multi-faceted fighting makes the region a tinderbox that the world cannot afford to go up in flames now. It is up to the US and other Israel allies to stop Mr Netanyahu from pushing the military card further. As India has advocated, it is clearly a time for diplomacy and dialogue to find a solution. The war between Russia and Ukraine is a crystal clear example of how a conflict can become endless if there is no sound mind and confused thinking.