Roughly five months into his presidency, Biden has an inferno over at the Middle East. And people are being staunch in their support for either Palestine or Israel. Many Americans, however don’t understand the complicated history of the region. The media isn’t telling our people the whole story as to why Hamas, (controls the Palestinian government) launched their attacks against Israel either. Instead, they are quick to criticize Israel for their response and credit 46 for the ceasefire afterwards. Few have reviewed the timeline to get a full picture. It’s worth asking how did we get here? Who’s at play for the historical conflict, and is there a chance of peace? Read all the way through to get full the picture.
History: Religion, Politics & Land
I was listening to a podcast from, “The Megyn Kelly Show,” and in this episode, she had two intellects debate the history and policies of this predicament. Afterwards, I did my own research to see what parts they left out as a result of their bias. I am not immune to being bias, but when it comes to history we have to look at the events and impact it had by taking our presumptions out. Most historians point to the end of WWI (Word War One) as the epicenter of the instability. As someone who enjoys history, I’ll go back a little further, because I concluded the battle for this region goes back centuries.
Religion
Religion has been a contributing player for disputes. That’s been a battle since the days before Christ was born. To many Jews and Christians, Jerusalem is the holiest place on earth. It remained that way until the birth of Islam. Muslims also claimed rights to the city, and during their conquest in 600s A.D, Muslims overtook the area. The Crusades were an attempt by the Catholic Church to reclaim the land in the name of Christianity, however they ultimately failed. For generations, this city along with the rest of the Middle East would be dominated by Islamic rule. This didn’t prevent Jews and Christians living in the area. In fact, it was particularly popular for Jews after the Catholic Church tried to massacre them during the crusades. The Islamic religion taught Jews and Christians were people of the book, thus benefiting them to live under improved conditions.
Certain events did take place in Europe that helped propel the creation of modern day Israel before WWI. The scandalous military cover up in France known as the Dreyfus Affair, lead to the rise of Zionism. This was a religious grassroots movement to recall Jews around the world to return back to its roots, once known as Israel. The movement helped Jews increase presence in Palestine, controlled by the Ottoman Empire. At this point in history, the Middle East had the largest Jewish population residing. This earned the support from Britain in 1916 through the The Balfour Declaration. This public support for the Zionists, encouraged Britain to establish a Jewish homeland right where the Ottoman Empire possessed the predominant Arab-Palestinian region. A region who’s primary faith was Islam.
Land & Politics
The Ottoman Empire came to power in 1299, putting an end to the Byzantine Empire. The dynasty held power until the end of WWI. The empire allied themselves with the Central Powers of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Bulgaria, resulting in defeat. Their loss came with the price of Arabs in Palestine, turning on them and allying with the Allied Powers through British influence. Palestinians became discontent with the Ottoman government which had it’s first election in 1896, propagating Britain to make vague promises. The Palestinians revolted against the Ottoman Empire with the premise Britain would recognize their independence and right to self-govern in exchange. This promise was known as the Hussein-McMahon correspondence. The vague promise came back to bite them, as Britain made a discrete deal with France (Sykes-Picot Agreement). This contradicted the deal Palestinians were lead to believe, by having the British occupy the territory once the Ottoman Empire was dissolved. Additionally, the Balfour Declaration alienated Palestinians. In the declaration, besides the righteous belief of the Zionist, the British hoped to seek favor from the Jews as they observed how they helped with the Russian Revolution. This push (after the League of Nations gave Britain permission) created a lot of violence and clashes between the Palestinians, Jews, and Brits themselves.
The rise of Hitler, the creation of concentration camps, and anti-Semitic propaganda, forced thousands of Jews to seek refuge in Palestine. As a result of the Holocaust, after WWII (Word War Two) in 1948, the British relinquished its control of Palestine by partitioning the state and allow Israel to become an independent nation. This infuriated their Arab neighbors including Palestinians, as they launched attacks against Israel starting in 1949. This began the cycle of attacks against Israel from other Arab nations. The resentment of Israel occupying land once held by Palestinians (though never official), lead to the creation of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). The organization would not be recognized as a legitimate representation of Palestinians until 1974, however they would not concede their stance in Israel’s right to exist until 1988. This lack of recognition has lead to many failed attempts to create a two state solution for both parties, especially after the Six Day War in 1967. There was progress made from 1988-2006, unfortunately the creation of Hamas and their ideology has been a thorn in negotiations for peace.
Hamas did not concede the notion of Israel’s right to exist. This was a break from the secularist of the PLO. Hamas’ beliefs were rooted from their Islamic faith-backed by the Muslim Brotherhood. The bitterness intensified after the PLO recognized Israel’s right to exist by declaring “jihad” or holy war. This is a position still in relevance today. Hamas has launch a series of terrorist attacks and eventually, in 2006 Hamas gained control of the Palestinian parliament through a free election. The Palestinians experienced a civil war afterwards between Hamas and Fatah (from the PLO), with Iran backed Hamas coming out on top. Since the election of 2006, Hamas has been in control legislatively, but the PLO and Fatah backed Prime Minister has remained in office since their agreement. As of now, Hamas still hold the position of the deconstruction of Israel.
That is my best attempt to simplify a complicated history. At this point, the conflict is between Israel and Hamas controlled Palestine (Iran too, but I’ll cover that in a different column). Some will fact-check me and say Hamas only controls Gaza, but in their agreement in 2012, it was decided Hamas were to be in control of all domestic affairs concerning Palestine. This is speculative, but the deal was more of a spectacle, with Fatah being their puppet for international affairs. It didn’t matter if their talks in 2007-2008, included Israel’s willingness to give 98% of the land Palestine wanted- as long as there is a Jewish state, they will not be satisfied. The closest they got to accept a two-state solution was during George W. Bush’s term from my observation. That’s despite Hamas gaining a majority in their legislative branch in 2006; however that was before their civil war. And history tells us Hamas’ idea of a “fair deal” is the eradication of Israel.
American Policies and Impact
Do not be fooled; America plays a role in the relationship between the two. That is not to say I agree. In fact, I consider myself an isolationist (we have enough problems here) and think Israel is more than capable of defending itself without our assistance. Nonetheless, it’s not reality-this is where we’ll look at American policies since the election of 2006.
George W. Bush: His administration had originally endorsed a free-election in Palestine as a bargain to give Palestinians a free nation with the right to self-govern (two-state solution). Unfortunately, they underestimated Hamas and the unpopularity of their prime minister and Fatah. The United States, together with Israel, pressed the international community, including the U.N., to cut off aid to a Hamas government unless it agreed to recognize Israel, abide by previous treaties and renounce violence and terror. The Bush administration didn’t get the U.N. to cut funding, but convinced the Quartet to cut aid to the Palestinian Authority. The U.S. also approved Israel’s decision to deny the Palestinians the tax revenues (through a VAT [value-added tax] on their imports and exports) they collected on their behalf. (Israel was now levying a tax on Palestinians for participating in the election.) And the U.S. repeatedly urged Abbas not to conciliate Hamas. When this failed and civil war broke out, U.S Congress agreed to $59 million in non-lethal aid, but the Bush administration tried to get around Congress by seeking lethal aid from Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates. Hamas, with the help of Iran, defeated the resistance.
Obama: During his eight years, 44 took a more hand-off approach while being more Palestinian friendly. He prioritize other conflicts in the Middle East over Palestine and Israel, including his controversial dark money Iran Deal. The main controversies entails his willingness leave Israel to fend for themselves. This was evident when he allowed the U.N to vote in condemning Israeli settlements it acquired after the Six Day War and publicly signal them out afterwards. There had been moments when he vehemently defended Israel, especially in the last major conflict between Palestine and Israel in 2014. Additionally, he signed a bill that funded the $225 million towards Israel’s Iron Dome during the conflict of 2014; however before leaving office he quietly paid $221 million to Palestine. This was controversial due to the skepticism how their Hamas controlled government would use the money, but also broke precedent of Congressional holds being respected by the executive branch. The money was approved by congress in 2015, but two lawmakers placed holds, over moves the Palestinian Authority had taken to seek membership in international organizations. Obama attempted to negotiate a peace deal between the two sides, but failed.
Trump: The four years he was in office, he was considerably the most pro-Israel president since the Palestinian election of 2006. Compared to American politics, 45 was far more popular with Israelis. He did support a two-state solution, but it would be based off the land annexed after 1967. First, he enforced a law passed in 1995 by recognizing Jerusalem as the capitol of Israel in its entirety and move the embassy in 2017-2018. In 2019, he signed a presidential proclamation affording recognition of Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights, and U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo signed a declaration that the “establishment of Israeli civilian settlements in the West Bank is not inconsistent with international law.” It would be later announced that Israeli citizens born in Jerusalem could now elect to list their place of birth as “Israel” in U.S. consular documents. Additionally, he managed to sign treaties with other Arab nations with Israel which opened diplomatic relations for the first time since 1994. This gave Israel allies against Iran, whereas before they were left to fend for themselves in that region. The biggest loser was Palestine. Trump cut all aide to Palestine; the embassy move and recognition of Jerusalem to Israel, shrunk their territory further; and the agreements brokered with other Arab nations left them out, intensifying resentment.
Cease Fire, Conclusion, & Prediction
Now we have an understanding of the historical conflict between the two, and how American policies can ameliorate or deteriorate relations. The conflict is now Biden’s responsibility and has reverted back to funding Palestine and Iran. It is controversial, because Palestine is known to be a corrupt government by its own people and Iran is a state sponsor of terrorism, an ally of Hamas. The two combine can destabilize a region which has been relatively peaceful during the previous administration. It is also why many allege these reversals caused the latest flair between the two. Here’s a timeline how we reached the ceasefire accredited to Egypt.
May 7, the final Friday of Ramadan, when the rumbling tensions boil over and Israeli riot police clash with crowds of Palestinians at Jerusalem's Al Aqsa Mosque. Palestinians hurl stones, bottles and fireworks at police who fire rubber bullets and stun grenades. The site is also sacred to Jews as the location of two biblical-era temples. More than 220 people, mostly Palestinians, are wounded.
May 8-9, violence increases as 121 Palestinians are wounded overnight, the Palestinian Red Crescent reported, while 17 Israeli police officers were injured. The unrest stemmed from the long-running legal effort by Jewish settler groups to evict several Palestinian families from their homes in the East Jerusalem district of Sheikh Jarrah. A lower-court ruling earlier this year backing the settlers' decades-old claim infuriated Palestinians who saw it as a further annexation of their land. A Supreme Court hearing on a Palestinian appeal is postponed at the weekend by the Justice Ministry in light of "the circumstances."
May 10, Israeli police storm Al Aqsa compound saying they are responding to rock-throwing protesters ahead of Jerusalem Day marches by nationalist Israeli Jews. Jerusalem Day celebrates the Jewish state's 1967 capture of the Old City. Visits by Israelis to Al Aqsa are cancelled, even as some settler groups try to break into the compound. The controversial march through the Old City is rerouted. By the end of Monday, over 700 Palestinians have been wounded and more than 500 are treated in hospital after police clear Al Aqsa and the streets of the old city with batons, stun grenades and tear gas. Hamas issues an ultimatum for Israel to pull security forces from Al Aqsa and Sheikh Jarrah by 6pm Monday night. Militants in Gaza then fire more than 200 rockets towards Israel. Israel responds with 130 strikes by fighter jets and attack helicopters on "military targets" in the Hamas-run enclave.
May 11-20, bloodshed spills with Palestinians suffering higher death tolls compared to Israel’s 12. Controversy over Israel’s response, despite acknowledging right to self-defense spills over on the world stage. This also illustrated Israel’s superior military defense system against attacks, helping minimize their death toll compared to Palestine’s hundreds with thousands wounded. After 11 days, Hamas and Israel agree to a ceasefire with Egypt’s mediation.
Hamas wanted a fight they could not finish. It is not a secret they believe in the dissolution of Israel. The media can use the events of Ramadan and Israeli settlements as justification of the rocket attacks against Israel, but that was a guise. They had four years during the Trump era to launch attacks. That would have been more believable since how historically friendly he was towards Israel. However, because Trump cut funding to Iran and Palestine together, Hamas didn’t have the monetary resources to retaliate. I admit in not having direct evidence to support this suspicion, but circumstances lead me to this conclusion. Biden’s reversal beforehand injected new life for the terrorist. The notion he should be praised for the ceasefire is hysterical.
The conflict itself is ambiguous in prediction. I understand Palestine’s frustration. Being lead to believe for generations from other countries they’ll have their own sovereignty, only to be left futile is maddening. And I’d be distraught if I saw my land ownership dwindle a slow death. But, they are their own worst enemy too. From the time Israel became an official nation, they have undermined their own chances of independence. There were years (even under Israel’s Prime Minister Netanyahu) of offerings (some generous), yet could not come to an official agreement that would cement their quest for nationhood. It definitely didn’t help their cause when they voted Hamas into power. Hamas is brainwashing children in anti-Semitism in their curriculum, training them to be martyrs. Hamas use their own people and the ignorance of western media to push the illusion Israel is the main oppressor. Reality check, Hamas are the oppressors. Their own people, the sane, need to speak out against Hamas to gain Israel’s trust. Get them out of power somehow. I say this, because there is a chunk who don’t believe in their ideology. You only have so much leverage in peace talks when you start a fight and keep losing.
Israel has every right to be skeptical towards Palestinians. Since their creation, it has been a game of self-defense. How can you trust a people that voted a known anti-Semitic group? How can you trust a people that is raising a generation to hate them? How much more can Israel give to show the Palestinians peace is wanted? No other country I am aware of goes out of their way to notify in advance their enemy’s target so innocent bystanders can leave the area. The distrust is understandable, but as a shining light of democracy in the Middle East, there’s a responsibility to carry. There are Palestinians who want no association with Hamas. Israel’s government must seek a policy that would encourage an exodus from the corrupt and suppressive Palestinian regime. Yes, they had an election which voted them in, but it was an election-that means there were people who voted against them. And there’s always a shift in opinion as time progresses. The fact they have failed to have another free election since, shows the reality of their suppression from their government.
The two-state solution of pre-1967 borders would have made sense if the U.N and United States decided to force Israel to give back land immediately after the Six Day War. At this point, it is a lost cause. There has been a major demographic shift that is of no fault of the Jewish citizen. Jerusalem, now holds an estimated 64% of Jews compared to 34% of Muslims. The two-state solution is possible, but in order for this to happen, Hamas has to be out of power and sight from Palestinian society-this would allow the Gaza to demilitarize; America stops ignorantly funding terrorism against Israel; Israel doesn’t force Palestinians to give up home ownership; Palestine recognizes Israel’s right to exist (Hamas out of their society, this outcome becomes plausible). Lastly, western institutions need to stop taking the bait from Hamas. Who is more trustworthy? Hamas who use their own civilians as pawns, or Israel- the country who notifies in advance their target so innocent civilians can leave? Do I have to answer for you?
Author’s Note: Anything underlined is a link for you to click on if desired. Readers are encouraged to educated themselves and seek other sources for information. Follow Taboo Topic on Instagram @kengine_express to stay in the loop on what’s to come!