The United Nations (UN) has been criticized for its perceived ineffectiveness in addressing Israeli aggression against Palestinians. Several factors contribute to this helplessness:
Veto Power of Permanent Members
The UN Security Council, which is responsible for maintaining international peace and security, has five permanent members: the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, and China. Each of these members holds veto power, allowing them to block any substantive resolution. The United States, a staunch ally of Israel, has repeatedly used its veto power to block resolutions that condemn Israeli actions or call for significant interventions.
Political and Economic Interests
Many countries have significant political and economic interests in maintaining good relations with Israel. The US, for instance, provides substantial military aid to Israel and has strategic alliances in the Middle East that it aims to protect. Economic interests, such as trade and investments, also play a critical role in shaping the stances of various countries within the UN
Bureaucratic and Structural Limitations
The UN’s bureaucratic structure often hampers swift decision-making and action. The process of passing resolutions, coordinating humanitarian aid, and deploying peacekeeping forces can be slow and encumbered by political negotiations and red tape. This sluggishness is particularly detrimental in rapidly escalating conflicts like those in Gaza
Influence of Global Powers
Global powers wield considerable influence over UN decisions. The geopolitical dynamics and the influence of powerful countries often overshadow the UN’s humanitarian and peacekeeping mandates. This results in a scenario where the interests of powerful nations take precedence over the need to address human rights violations and aggression
What Will Be the Role of Nations in a World Divided into Two Parts?
Polarization of Global Alliances
The world is increasingly polarized, with countries aligning themselves with either the US-led Western bloc or the China-Russia axis. This division affects international responses to conflicts, including the Israeli-Palestinian situation. Countries in the Western bloc are more likely to support Israel, while those in the China-Russia axis may oppose Israeli policies and support Palestinian rights
Regional Influence and Interventions
Nations within these divided blocs will likely increase their influence and interventions in regional conflicts. For example, Iran, supported by Russia and China, may intensify its opposition to Israel, while countries in the US-led bloc might bolster their support for Israel. This polarization can lead to proxy wars and exacerbate existing conflicts.
Diplomatic Efforts and Peace Initiatives
Despite the polarization, there will be efforts by neutral or non-aligned countries to mediate and propose peace initiatives. Nations like Qatar, Turkey, and some European countries might continue to push for dialogue and negotiations, aiming to bridge the gap between the conflicting parties and their allies
Is the Muslim World Supporting Iran’s Expected Action Against Israel?
The Muslim world is not monolithic, and its stance on supporting Iran’s actions against Israel varies:
Divergent National Interests
Countries in the Muslim world have divergent national interests and political alliances. While Iran’s close allies, such as Syria and Hezbollah, may support its actions against Israel, other countries, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Egypt, might prioritize regional stability and their relations with the US over direct confrontation with Israel.
Sectarian Divisions
Sectarian divisions, particularly between Sunni and Shia Muslims, also play a role. Sunni-majority countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE may be wary of supporting Shia-majority Iran, viewing its actions as part of a broader agenda to expand Shia influence in the region
Public Opinion vs. Government Policy
Public opinion in many Muslim-majority countries is often more supportive of the Palestinian cause and critical of Israel than the official government stance. This creates a complex dynamic where governments might face internal pressure to condemn Israeli actions and support Palestinian rights, even if they are reluctant to support Iran’s approach
Will the Israeli-Palestinian Peace Agreement Remain a Dream?
The prospect of achieving a lasting Israeli-Palestinian peace agreement faces numerous challenges:
Rejection of the Two-State Solution
The rejection of the two-state solution by significant factions within Israel and Palestine poses a substantial barrier to peace. The current Israeli leadership’s policies, such as settlement expansion and annexation plans, further undermine the feasibility of a two-state solution
Internal Palestinian Divisions
Internal divisions within the Palestinian territories, primarily between Fatah in the West Bank and Hamas in Gaza, complicate efforts to present a united front in negotiations. These divisions weaken the Palestinian position and hinder the formation of a cohesive strategy for peace
International Community’s Role
The international community, particularly the UN and major powers, must play a proactive role in facilitating dialogue and negotiations. However, as discussed, geopolitical interests and the influence of powerful nations often hinder concerted international efforts to achieve peace
Humanitarian Crisis and Mutual Distrust
The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, characterized by severe restrictions on aid, rampant destruction, and high civilian casualties, exacerbates mutual distrust and animosity between Israelis and Palestinians. This environment of mistrust makes meaningful negotiations exceedingly difficult.
UN’s helplessness
The UN’s helplessness in addressing Israeli aggression stems from a combination of veto power by permanent members, political and economic interests, bureaucratic limitations, and the influence of global powers. In a world increasingly divided into two blocs, nations will play roles influenced by their alliances and interests. The Muslim world’s support for Iran’s actions against Israel is mixed, reflecting diverse national interests and sectarian divisions. Achieving a lasting Israeli-Palestinian peace agreement remains challenging due to the rejection of the two-state solution, internal Palestinian divisions, and the complex role of the international community.
